Icuk urges nationwide coaching clinic

Mustofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Former world champion Icuk Sugiarto says he was hoping to organize a nationwide coaching clinic in order to spur the development of badminton in the country.

"I'm ready to tour Indonesia from Sabang (in Aceh) to Merauke (Papua)," Icuk said here on Tuesday.

Icuk, who became the world champion in 1983, said he was preparing a proposal at the moment to be submitted to the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) for approval.

Expecting it next year, Icuk said that the program, to be initiated on a one-year basis, would aim at inspiring badminton motivation among communities in the provinces.

"We will hold discussions, coaching clinics or seminars if needed. We hope to bring with us our national stars so the provincial people can get familiar with their badminton idols," he said.

"I'm beginning to be worried that children are beginning to forget our badminton stars. Why don't they even know about Rudy Hartono?," Icuk wondered, referring to Indonesia's badminton legend, who won the All-England title an unprecedented eight times while in his prime.

"Icuk said that the idea had been raised amid concern that Indonesia, despite its status as the Thomas Cup defending champion, was facing a threat of losing our grip on the badminton world.

"We are left to rely on Taufik (Hidayat) and Sony (Dwi Kuncoro) for the future. In doubles, Candra (Widjaya) and Sigit (Budiarto) may be playing only for another couple of years," he said.

He said the future on the women's side was even worse, saying that it would take at least five years of serious management before Indonesia could hope to produce another real champion the likes of Susi Susanti.

Icuk said that the coaching tour had to be done because PBSI needed to show fair treatment to areas outside of Java, and all should be empowered to contribute to national badminton.