Badminton series may be rescheduled

Badminton series may be rescheduled

JAKARTA (JP): Preparations for the Olympic Games in Atlanta in
July are likely to force the rescheduling of a series of major
badminton championships.

RJA Gosal, secretary of the Badminton Association of
Indonesia, told The Jakarta Post that Indonesia and Malaysia are
still negotiating the rescheduling of both the Indonesian Open
and the Malaysian Open.

"We're still discussing the matter and we haven't come to any
conclusion yet," he said.

According to the 1996 International Badminton Federation
calender of events, the Malaysian Open will take place from July
2 to 7 while the Indonesian Open will be held from July 10 to 14.
Another series, the Singapore Open, was scheduled from July 17 to
21.

Gosal said Indonesia and Malaysia are discussing who will hold
their championship first.

"If Indonesia has to organize its championship ahead of
Malaysia, then it will probably take place after the Olympic
Games," he said.

Indonesian coach Indra Gunawan told the Post that the three
countries have to reschedule the series because they are focusing
on the Olympics.

"I think they will reschedule the events to September," he
said.

Based on his experience, Indra said that four years ago the
three countries also had to postpone the competitions for the
same reason. Then it was the Barcelona Olympics.

"Although they want to hold the championships in accordance
with the annual schedule, I'm sure top players will skip them
unless they are changed," he said.

"The organizers will also have to deal with sponsors which
expects top players to take part," he added.

Indra said instead of sending top players, many countries may
only send their second stringers.

"But I'm sure that the championships will be postponed," he
said.

Indonesia is still only focusing its attention on the Thomas
and Uber Cups in May in Hong Kong and also the Olympic Games.

"Our preparations are getting better both technically and
physically now," he said.

Indra mentioned the Swiss Open and the All England
championship as warm ups for the Olympics. (05)