Djarum starts intensive training

KUDUS, Central Java (JP): The Djarum Kudus badminton club will start intensive training on Dec. 18 to face the upcoming National Interclub Championships in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, from Jan. 23 to Jan. 28.

The club's chairman, Syaiful Arisanto, said the date was set to wait for its national team members to arrive back in Kudus after being dismissed by the Badminton Association of Indonesia beginning on Dec. 16.

Djarum will pin its hopes on men's singles Budi Santoso, Johan Hadikusuma and Hariyanto Arbi, women's singles Cindana and Ellen Angelina, men's doubles Sigit and Eng Hian, Denny Kantono and Antonius and women's doubles Etty Tantri and Minarti Timur.

Arisanto said the club has called its best coaches -- Christian Hadinata, Agus Dwi Santoso and Anwari -- to groom the athletes.

Djarum Kudus will face a tough challenge from Jakarta-based Jaya Raya and Tangkas. (har)