Ricky, Antonius quit badminton center<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Ricky Achmad Subagdja, a gold medalist at the
\n1996 Olympics, and bronze medalist Antonius Budi Arianto resigned
\nfrom the Indonesian Badminton Center effective on Feb. 17.<\/p>\n
The center's training director, Christian Hadinata, confirmed
\nthe resignations on Tuesday, saying both shuttlers left the
\ncenter because of their age.<\/p>\n
Ricky and Antonius both turn 30 this year, and both have lost
\ntheir long-time doubles partners. Ricky used to be partnered with
\nRexy Mainaky, who is now coaching the English badminton team,
\nwhile Antonius's former partner, Denny Kantono, has already left
\nthe center.<\/p>\n
\"Both players realized their age left them unable to compete
\nwith the younger players. With the difficult financial conditions
\nfaced by the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI), they knew
\nit would be difficult for them to reach the targets set by us,\"
\nChristian said during a telephone interview.<\/p>\n
Ricky and Rexy shot to the top of the world rankings in 1993
\nand held that position until 1997. Their greatest achievement was
\nwinning the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics.<\/p>\n
While Antonius and Denny were overshadowed by Ricky and Rexy,
\nthey did win the bronze medal at the 1996 Olympics.<\/p>\n
The four shuttlers played major roles in helping Indonesia
\nretain the Thomas Cup since 1996, and Ricky and Rexy teamed up in
\nlast year's successful Thomas Cup campaign.<\/p>\n
Christian said Ricky and Antonius would compete in the All
\nEngland in Birmingham from March 7 to March 11, though they would
\nhave to pay their own ways.<\/p>\n
\"PBSI must be selective in sending its shuttlers. Therefore we
\nasked them to pay their own expenses. They will have to seek
\ntheir own sponsorships if they still want to represent the
\ncountry at international events. PBSI can only help handle the
\npaperwork.\"<\/p>\n
Christian said the two players were still welcome at the
\ncenter as practice partners for the younger shuttlers.<\/p>\n
\"They are still training at the center as usual. We need their
\nexperience and skill to help raise the level of play of the
\njuniors. They are always welcome at the center. Nothing has
\nchanged in our treatment of them.\"<\/p>\n
PBSI secretary-general Leo Chandra Wiranata said he had not
\nyet received the shuttlers' resignation letters.<\/p>\n
\"With the new organizational structure, the training director
\nwill hand over the letters to the chairman before I am ordered to
\ndraft a letter confirming their resignations.\"<\/p>\n
Ricky and Antonius' resignations lowers the number of senior
\nshuttlers at the center to 37. (yan)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ricky-antonius-quit-badminton-center-1447893297",
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