Badminton players, coaches earn their cash bonuses
Badminton players, coaches earn their cash bonuses
JAKARTA (JP): A cash bonus presentation capped the national
badminton team's Thomas Cup victory celebration Wednesday, with
each member receiving between Rp 20 million (US$2,000) and Rp 60
million.
The rewards, totaling Rp 1.34 billion, were taken from a Rp
7.4 billion fund raised earlier this month by the country's
businesspeople with long ties with the Badminton Association of
Indonesia.
Each Thomas Cup men's team member earned Rp 60 million for
their success in defending the title. Their female teammates, who
lost 1-4 to China in the Uber Cup final Saturday, received Rp 40
million each.
Officials, including coaches, were not left empty-handed as
each of them received a Rp 20 million consolation bonus.
Indonesia sent 20 players of both sexes plus 17 officials to
the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup events in Hong Kong. The men's team
lifted Indonesia to a record 11th title with a 3-2 win over
Malaysia in Sunday's final.
The badminton squad joined a victory parade on Tuesday, just
hours after their overnight arrival.
Deputy chairman of the badminton association, Agus
Wirahadikusumah, said the cash bonuses were token gifts for
tight-knit teamwork by the players and officials.
"Don't count the amount because it's not a salary. It's
instead a token of our appreciation for your hard work," Agus was
quoted by Kompas as telling the team members at the association's
office in Cipayung, East Jakarta.
He said bonus allocations were decided in a thorough and open
discussion between the association's executives and shuttlers.
Agus, who was also team manager in the biennial tournament,
said the association considered giving each player an equal
amount, but some players and officials objected it was unfair.
Top women's singles player Susi Susanti said she was content
with the amount she received.
"I think everybody got a fair amount. I'm happy with the way
we decided it. Such an openness will avoid any grumbles or
mutterings in the future," Susi said.
Thomas Cup hero Hendrawan also said he was satisfied.
"I think we all agree with the decision. It's not good
therefore to complain about what we have reached from the
discussion," he said. (emf)