Hendrawan unpretentious about his chance in Sydney
Hendrawan unpretentious about his chance in Sydney
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian men's singles shuttler Hendrawan is
unpretentious about his chance of winning a gold in the upcoming
Olympic Games in Sydney.
"Let's not talk about my target at the Olympics. Everybody has
equal chances there. All I can say is that I am well prepared,"
he said before a competition simulation at Senayan Indoor stadium
in Jakarta on Friday.
Competing for the first time in the Olympics, Hendrawan --
Indonesia's hero in the 1998 and 2000 Thomas Cup championships --
hopes to continue the country's recent gold medal success in
badminton.
Indonesia won its first golds thanks to Susy Susanti in the
women's singles and Alan Budikusuma in the men's singles at the
1992 Olympics in Barcelona.
Four years later, Ricky Subagja and Rexy Mainaky saved the
country's pride by winning the gold in the men's doubles at the
Olympics in Atlanta, U.S.A.
This year, the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) and
the National Sports Council (KONI) target the shuttlers to bring
home two golds in men's singles and doubles.
World number three Hendrawan managed to beat world number one
and compatriot Taufik Hidayat 9-15, 15-12, 15-13 for the first
time at the simulation.
The 28-year-old shuttler said that he still needed to improve
his emotional condition for the quadrennial event from Sept. 15
to Oct. 1.
"I still have to learn to control my emotions better. I can't
overestimate myself or lack motivation for the event. In the
Olympics, the emotional and mental factors are really important,"
he said.
Hendrawan is training with Paulus Pasurney. He has improved
his fitness and stamina.
"But I'm so exhausted from training, it is difficult for me to
concentrate. I have problems sleeping at night. Maybe when we are
there (in Sydney), we will have a different atmosphere that will
help me increase my fighting spirit."
Indonesia qualified Taufik, Hendrawan and Marlev Mainaky in
the singles event.
Hendrawan appointed Taufik and Dane Peter Gade Christensen as
the strongest candidates to win the gold.
"Taufik is playing well lately, winning in both Indonesia and
Malaysia Open tournaments. While Peter, after his poor form in
the Indonesia Open in July, might be better prepared, helping him
to reach the finals." (yan)