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.