UNTUK BUDI, GRAFIK

UNTUK BUDI, GRAFIK

A Cup for All

Badminton's Sudirman Cup, inaugurated in 1989, is a relative newcomer compared to the Thomas Cup men's team event, dating back to 1941, and the Uber Cup women's team contest (1956). However, after 15 years, the biannual mixed team competition has found its place among the sport's most prestigious events.

Indonesia's 'Father of Badminton'

* The Cup is named after Soedirman (1922-86), one of the pioneers of Indonesian badminton.

* Soedirman founded the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) in 1951, serving as PBSI's chairman from 1952-1963, and 1967-81.

* Indonesia enjoyed its heyday in the sport during his tenure, including winning the Thomas Cup in 1958, 1961, 1970, 1973, 1976 and 1978, the Uber Cup in 1975 and Rudy Hartono's eight All- England men's singles titles.

* Soedirman was the vice president of the International Badminton Federation (IBF) from 1975-83.

* He was awarded the IBF's Distinguished Service Award in 1986.

Design Points

* The design of Rusnandi, a student from the Bandung Institute of Technology, was chosen from 217 designs from 20 provinces for the Sudirman Cup. * The top of the trophy represents Borobudur temple, showing high human achievement; its body is in the shape of a shuttlecock, indicating badminton will develop along with technology. * Its handles represent thread, tying badminton to natural factors; it is decorated with betel nut leaves, a traditional sign of welcome.

The trophy's octagonal base symbolizes the eight teams that compete for the title.

Honor Roll

Only three nations -- Indonesia, South Korea and China have taken the title.

Year Venue Champion Runner-up

1989 Jakarta Indonesia South Korea

1991 Copenhagen South Korea Indonesia

1993 Birmingham South Korea Indonesia

1995 Lausanne China Indonesia

1997 Glasgow China South Korea

1999 Copenhagen China Denmark

2001 Seville China Indonesia

2003 Eindhoven South Korea China