Icuk urges nationwide coaching clinic

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.