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)