Critics motivate shuttlers: Coach

Critics motivate shuttlers: Coach

JAKARTA (JP): Critics from the media and badminton lovers have
motivate Indonesia's women's players to prove themselves by
qualifying in the final round of the Uber Cup championships in
Kuala Lumpur in May.

Women's doubles coach, Imelda Wiguna, said in a meeting with
National Sports Council (KONI) chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar and
vice chairman Arie Sudewo and the Badminton Association of
Indonesia (PBSI) chairman, Subagyo Hadisiswoyo, that the players
were strongly motivated to prove that their generation was still
reliable in international events.

"The shuttlers intend to recapture past glories and dismiss
critics with victories in India. Our evaluation from recent
competitions, is that players have problems with self-confidence
and motivation," she said.

PBSI will send a team -- comprising Lidya Djaelawidjaja, Ellen
Angelinawaty, Yuli Marfuah and Niniek Masrikah in the singles
competition and Elysa Nathanael and Deyana Lomban; Cynthia
Tuwankotta and Etty Tantri; and Carmelita and Indarti Issoliana
in the doubles -- to the Uber Cup semifinal round in India next
week.

Indonesia has to compete in the semifinal round from Feb. 13
to Feb. 20 after losing to China in the 1998's final in Hong
Kong.

Many doubt Indonesia's chance to bring home the Uber Cup as
the country no longer has badminton queen Susy Susanti, Mia
Audina and Cindana Hartono, who injured her left calf muscle last
week.

Elysa said: "With this team structure, we must prove to
badminton lovers that our generation can also contribute
something for the country."

Cynthia said her victory in her first team event of the 1999
Southeast Asian (SEA) Games would help her to overcome pressure
on court.

"The Uber Cup may be harder, but my win in the Games might be
useful and will motivate me to do my best," she said.

Cynthia said her toughest rival in the competition was Ra
Kyung-min and Chung Jae-hee of South Korea.

"Etty and I have never won against them. But this time we want
to narrow the record."

PBSI training director, Christian Hadinata, said that women's
doubles would have to strengthen their motivation, especially
with the absence of Cindana.

"The doubles must win both matches and we hope our singles
players can steal one more point. But we are also hopeful the
juniors, Yuli and Niniek, can show their quality and surprise
their opponents," said Christian, who is also the team manager.
(yan)