Indonesian shuttlers wary of searing heat in Atlanta

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's badminton players are paying particular attention to the sweltering heat in Atlanta as it could shatter their bids to retain their Olympic gold medals.

Coach Tahir Djide said yesterday that his 20-strong team would continue their physical drills to maintain their fitness and to avoid any illness caused by the heat.

"We will only let them cool themselves down two days before the competition starts. I just don't want to see them sick," Tahir said.

The Centennial Olympics organizers have announced that temperatures could reach 88 degrees (31 C) in the shaded sections of the Olympic stadium, 101 degrees (38 C) in the sunny sections of the grandstand, and a stifling 111 degrees (44 C) on the track itself.

"People are susceptible to flu in such searing weather. Once a player falls victim to flu, he or she could well spread the virus to others," said Tahir, who played a key role in Indonesia's success in lifting the Thomas and Uber Cups in May.

Tahir confirmed that he would take an injury-free squad to the world's biggest sporting extravaganza. "Mia Audina and Hariyanto Arbi, the two players I was most concerned about, have regained their form for the Olympics," he said.

The Indonesian shuttlers will leave for Atlanta tomorrow, along with two women's tennis players and a male judoist. The badminton competition will run from July 24 through Aug. 1.

Indonesia won two gold medals in Barcelona four years ago, from ladies' singles player Susi Susanti and men's singles competitor Alan Budikusuma. The country's target this year is also two golds.

Tahir warned his players of the wide time lag between Jakarta and Atlanta which could play havoc with their games. Jakarta is 11 hours ahead of Atlanta.

"But their frequent trips abroad will help them overcome this," Tahir said.

The Indonesian team has rented an indoor stadium 25 kilometers from the athletes' village for daily practice. The competition will be held at the 4,800-seat Georgia State University arena, four kilometers from the village.

"They have to make use of the remaining days prior to the competition by observing the venue," said Tahir.

Only a few of the Indonesian team have played in the stadium, when it hosted the U.S. Open two years ago. (amd)