Badminton coach defends program despite protests
JAKARTA (JP): Physical trainer Tahir Djide defended his program, despite protests from shuttlers attending his demanding workouts for the Sudirman Cup and World Championships next month.
"With limited time, I can only train them to be able to move and use their energy as efficiently as possible within their capabilities," Tahir said on Friday.
"Our national shuttlers still lack physical fitness. We can see it from their VO2 max (oxygen capacity in blood) which is only, on average, 55 points. For a major event like the Sudirman Cup, we want them to reach at least 67 points."
Tahir, who has in the past handled national shuttlers training for the Thomas and Uber Cups championships, said he could only increase the athletes' VO2 max by three to four points.
"It's impossible to boost their physical condition in such a short time. All I can do is motivate them to fight harder. I also told coaches to change their training programs as required (to meet the needs of athletes).
"But it's hard to do, because in just three days many athletes have complained about the tough training."
Several men's singles players have complained about the severe measures during the two-week training program. Some said they were afraid they would sustain injuries.
But Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) vice chairman Agus Wirahadikusumah, defended the program, saying Tahir was an expert in physical training. Agus criticized the national shuttler's poor physical condition and fighting spirit.
Indonesia will compete in the Sudirman Cup and World Championships in Copenhagen from May 10 to May 24.
PBSI training center director Christian Hadinata, acknowledged that, in general, Indonesian shuttlers were in poor physical condition.
"Physical training can't be conducted in a short time. It needs time," he said.
In the first simulation held at the Armed Forces Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, women's shuttler Mia Audina, proved she was still in form, despite controversy surrounding her marriage to Surinamese Tylio Lobman.
Ranked eighth in the world, Mia defeated Lidya Djaelawidjaja 13-12, 9-11, 11-9 in a close match in about 80 minutes.
Mia, who skipped training for about three weeks after her wedding ceremony in the Netherlands, relied on her high technical skills and experience after her left thigh was injured in the third set.
"It was an old injury, but I forced myself to win. I will force myself harder in the Sudirman Cup if I still am injured. It really hurt," she said.
Coach Liang Chiusia said Mia had performed better than expected.
"She only trained for a week but she still won. She was too slow and her footwork was really awful. However, she's still the best. We have two weeks to improve her physical condition. I'm optimistic she will reach her (optimum) standard.
"If she can't reach it, then we must expel her from the team."
Lidya, ranked 12th in the world, said she was unable to withhold the pressure in the decider.
"She took control in the third set and I started to be doubtful. I was afraid to make mistakes but finally I did."
Christian was critical of Lidya's game, saying she failed to take advantage of Mia's weakened condition.
"With one leg injured, Mia could still win the match. It means she's the best we have," he said.
In another women's singles match, Cindana, ranked 10th in the world, beat Ellen Angelina, who holds the 20th spot in world rankings, 11-7, 11-7. Cindana will most likely meet Mia in the second simulation match at the Indonesian Badminton Center in Cipayung, East Jakarta on Wednesday.
In the men's singles, Taufik Hidayat, ranked 12th in the world, defeated world number 9 Hendrawan 15-10, 15-12. World number three Budi Santoso crushed Hariyanto Arbi 15-10, 15-10.
In the men's singles, Tony Gunawan and Candra Wijaya beat Denny Kantono and Antonius 15-6, 15-10, while women's pair Indarti Issoliana and Carmelita lost to men's duo Tri Cahyo and Yan Peter 12-15, 4-15. (yan)