Hendrawan resigns from national badminton squad

Hendrawan resigns from national badminton squad

Primastuti Handayani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Prolonged injuries, age and disappointment have forced Olympic
badminton silver medalist Hendrawan to make the most difficult
decision for any athlete in the world; leave the sport that has
catapulted him to glory and fame.

Hendrawan, the 2001 world champion, delivered his resignation
to Badminton Association of Indonesia chairman Chairul Tanjung on
Friday at around 2 p.m.

"The reason for my resignation is my injuries. Besides, I
realize that I have no chance for next year's Olympic Games in
Athens. This is the best for me ... and it's the right time," the
31-year-old shuttler said.

Since helping Indonesia retain its title in last year's Thomas
Cup men's team event for the 13th time, its fifth consecutive
title, by defeating host China at home in Guangzhou, Hendrawan's
performance has plunged.

He suffered an injury to his right foot when competing in last
year's Singapore Open. Before it had healed he injured his right
knee.

Hendrawan's resignation could jeopardize Indonesia's bid to
win the cup a 14th time.

"Pak Chairul asked me to stay with the Thomas Cup team and
help the association by coaching the juniors ... I haven't given
my answer," he said.

Playing a pivotal role in the three previous Thomas Cup events
has deterred him from resigning.

"I have always been prepared for the most difficult situation
during the Thomas Cup event. If I'm selected to join next year's
squad, I will commit. But I need some time to prepare and prove
that I can still do that," he said.

"Some officials did not support me because of my poor
performance recently. I'm too old ... What's the point of joining
a team of other members and officials who are not behind you."

Hendrawan nodded when asked if he was disappointed with the
association that did not help him obtain a visa to compete in
last month's Dutch Open.

"But that's not a good reason actually ..."

The association will have to find a replacement for Hendrawan
as the third single in the squad. Juniors Ardiansyah and Wimpie
Mahardi are among the candidates along with Rony Agustinus.

Taufik Hidayat and Sony Dwi Kuncoro will definitely secure the
first and second singles positions in the team.

Born in Malang, East Java, on June 27, 1972, Hendrawan joined
the national squad in 1993, The father of two managed to grab the
1998 Asian Games silver medal, finished second at the 2000 Sydney
Olympic Games and won the 2001 World Championships.

With the full support of his wife Silvy Anggraeni, Hendrawan
now moves on with his real life as a manager at the Top 1 Oil
distribution company.