'I want to learn from others about life'

Hendrawan may not have as many fans as teen star Taufik Hidayat or doubles king Ricky Subagdja, but the 2000 world champion is admired by players from other countries because of his modest manner. Born in Malang, East Java, on June 27, 1972, the 2000 Olympics silver medalist married longtime girlfriend Silvia Anggraeni early this year. They now have a baby daughter, Josephine Sevilla, named in tribute to the town that brought him his greatest achievement in his career. Hendrawan, who just received a house in Bekasi from his club Tangkas Bogasari, spoke to The Jakarta Post's Primastuti Handayani.

If you had the choice, what would you be doing now?

At the moment I only want to become a badminton coach at the Indonesian Badminton Center (in Cipayung, East Jakarta). I'm not satisfied to see the young players' development. They have great talent but they lack motivation and fighting spirit. I want to change that.

What makes you tick?

I always take a very long time to make a decision but still I'm doubtful about it. Sometimes Silvia is very angry because I spend too much time thinking about a problem but come up with nothing ...

Which trait do you most like about yourself?

I'm a very, very serious person. Other people will think that I can't enjoy life but it's the key to my success. Now I can enjoy my life ...

And deplore?

I want to expand my knowledge on issues outside badminton. I want to mix in society where I can learn from others the meaning of life. The challenge in the future, especially after retirement, is very tough. Our lives start when we quit the sport ...

Whom do you admire?

Definitely my parents. They never tell me to quit badminton during my career even when I had yet to win any titles. They always encourage me to keep on trying. When I had the thought of quitting badminton, I felt terrible for them because their efforts would have been useless.

What kind of clothes do you like to wear?

Something casual but still with sports adornments, like those made by Nike or Adidas. I don't have any specific favorite colors.

What was the last book you read?

It's Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. A person, who claims to admire me, gave me the book. It's about how to enrich yourself through your image. There are three parts; one, people become rich by being others' employer, two, people are rich by birth and three, people get rich because they build it.

What makes you angry?

I easily get angry when I'm too tired.

When was the last time you were angry?

I can't remember ... It's a long time ago. But I'm becoming more patient now as I grow up.

What characteristic do you dislike in others?

I don't like people who cheat us when we really believe in them. I don't like that they lie to me ... as soon as I find it out, I can't trust them anymore.

Are we alone in the universe?

I believe that we're not alone in the universe but I haven't seen any of them.

What makes you laugh?

Funny jokes. I usually laugh when seeing comedian Jojon on TV.

And cry?

Something heroic. I couldn't help crying when witnessing Candra Wijaya and Tony Gunawan win the Olympic gold medal (at Sydney 2000). I'm still dreaming of winning it. I also cried when watching Man of Honor featuring Cuba Gooding Jr. specially at the end when he moved some steps. It showed how hard he struggled.

What is your favorite smell?

Food. I can tell from the smell what food it is.

What makes life worth living?

I believe we must be more efficient with time. I experienced it myself that life is so prestigious. I will use my time more effectively to learn how to live in the society and to read more.

Do you have a favorite song?

No. But I really like Enya's songs.

And movie?

Any movies about justice and court such as Rules of Engagement featuring Samuel L. Jackson and Tommy Lee Jones or The Firm starring Tom Cruise.

What is your favorite food?

Chicken and lamb satay, chicken noodles and fried rice.

What is your favorite perfume?

Cool Water by Davidoff.

What characteristics do you love in woman?

Their beauty and mystery. I love seeing the beautiful side of women, not merely in their appearance but how they look in that time at that place ...

Do you ever worry about your weight?

Always. As an athlete, whose height is only 1.7 meters, my ideal weight is 60 kilograms. I managed to stay in the ideal weight but I became very weak so I gained weight and now I'm 67kgs. I consider it ideal because I can move fast and play my game much better.

What is your favorite hangout?

Home.

What will you be doing, say, 20 years from now?

Enjoying life more. I have been feeling very tired and I'm looking forward to enjoying my life...

How would you like to be remembered?

As a regular person. I realize that people know me because of my achievements in badminton. I'm ready to face the reality when they forget me. I don't want to be famous.

What would you take with you if you were stranded on a remote island?

My wife (laughs) ... She's the one who really understands me. Besides, I believe that I can overcome all barriers with her by my side.

If the world were going to end in 24 hours, what would you do?

Give myself completely to God as we still have time.