Junior shuttlers set for c'ship

KUDUS, Central Java (JP): Some 229 junior shuttlers will compete at the ninth Aqua Master National Badminton Interclub Championship from Nov. 23 through Nov. 27 at the Djarum Kudus indoor stadium.

Executive director of the Badminton Association of Indonesia Karsono, who opened the championship on Monday, said he hoped junior shuttlers would emerge from the championship to act as substitutes for the experienced senior players.

"Indonesia is in dire need of junior shuttlers to follow the paths of their seniors in the international events," he said.

Clubs taking part in the championship include Djarum, Jaya Raya of Jakarta, Aqua of East Java, Bimantara Tangkas of Jakarta, Lippo of West Java, Primex of Medan, North Sumatra, Pikiran Rakyat of Tasikmalaya, West Java and Hadtex of Bandung, West Java.

"The championship is aimed at improving the players' quality. They will not be targeting the championship title. Winning or losing is common in this sport," said chief organizer Saiful Arisanto. (har)