Herculean task awaiting next badminton chairperson

Herculean task awaiting next badminton chairperson

Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) badly needs a
figure with capability and professionalism to lead the
organization and restore the country's former glory in the sport,
a former world champion said.

PBSI is slated to elect the replacement of incumbent chairman
Subagyo Hadisiswoyo, a former Army chief of staff, during a
congress from Nov. 2 through Nov. 4.

"It will not be a problem who will be the next chairman. The
most important thing is the candidates clearly understand the
problems and future challenges for PBSI," 1985 world champion
Icuk Sugiarto told reporters on Thursday.

"We cannot rely on a certain figure just because he or she
holds a public position or has a lot of money.

"What PBSI really needs is a transparent way of running the
organization and that can only be achieved by applying modern
management principles," he said.

Icuk, who runs a badminton club, pointed out that Indonesia's
badminton is on the decline, whereas other countries' is
improving.

"Countries like China, Denmark and Malaysia have offered tough
opposition to Indonesian shuttlers, while countries like India
and Thailand have shown significant progress," he said.

"PBSI new executives should realize that next year will be
difficult for Indonesia to retain its domination in badminton due
to our depleting strength."

Icuk said that under PBSI's new board of executives, Indonesia
ought to be able to defend the Thomas Cup world men's team
championship title, the men's team gold medal at the 2002 Asian
Games and Olympic gold medals, especially in the men's doubles
event.

"The problem is that most of our shuttlers already have
reached their peak, or golden age, while the second-string
shuttlers remain unprepared to fill their shoes," he said.

"We have an even more challenging situation in the women's
division as it will be difficult for us to qualify for the Uber
Cup final round next year with our current strength."

Icuk also urged the new board to seek promotional
opportunities to cover its acute financial shortage instead of
complaining, without doing anything.

"There are so many things to be done to secure a healthy cash
flow as PBSI has a large amount of assets, including its own
shuttlers," he said.

"Actually, PBSI would not have been plunged into such acute
financial problems if the current board had managed its assets
properly. What we need is a person who understands how to promote
the shuttlers for the benefit of both PBSI and the shuttlers
themselves," he added.

Icuk also suggested PBSI allow its shuttlers to arrange their
own individual contracts, instead of working only with Japan-
based Yonex through a collective contract.