Badminton body mulls new hiring system for coaches

JAKARTA (JP): Hoping to improve the performance of its shuttlers in international events, the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) will use a new system in hiring coaches for its training center in Cipayung, East Jakarta.

PBSI executive director Karsono said on Wednesday the system would become effective on Feb. 1, but he declined to comment on the details. "Let's wait until Feb. 1."

Training director Christian Hadinata has proposed his ideas to improve the coaching system, increase the competitiveness among coaches and to allow coaches from PBSI provincial chapters to work in the prestigious training camp in Cipayung, East Jakarta.

Karsono said Christian's suggestions touched on the number of coaches in the training camp, the coaching period and the value of the coaches' contract.

"Ideally, there should be one coach to train shuttlers in the men's doubles, mixed doubles, women's doubles and women's singles, but we need two coaches for the men's singles," he said.

Currently, there are 13 coaches at the center, but they were not recruited according to any specific criteria. Some coaches are formerly national players, as is Christian, who used to train the men's doubles players, and Imelda Wigoena, the women's doubles coach.

Not all coaches are able to produce highly skilled players, particularly on the women's side. No women's shuttlers have emerged as international stars since Olympic gold medalist Susy Susanti and silver medalist Mia Audina quit the center.

Since the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, pressure has mounted on PBSI to revamp the women's training program, including hiring better coaches.

The new coaching system reportedly will give two-year contracts to coaches.

Karsono refused to discuss the value of the contracts, saying coaches might be paid based on the achievements of their players.

"Currently, the men's doubles coach tops the salary scale, followed by the men's singles coach and the mixed doubles coach. The women's doubles and singles coaches are at the bottom."

Separately, coach Retno Kustiyah confirmed she was resigning from the center. "There was no pressure on me to quit the center. I just want to concentrate on my coaching job with the Jaya Raya club."

Retno criticized the current women's players, who she said lacked motivation, fighting spirit and diligence. She also said she was pleased to have the opportunity to train young players at the club.

"There are many young shuttlers who have the potential to become world-class players, based on their physical form and motivation. I will be busy developing a world-class player here (at the club)," said Retno, Mia's former coach. (ivy)