Megawati and badminton

Megawati and badminton

President Megawati injected some spirit into the Indonesian
shuttlers, who, on Monday (May 6), left for Ghuangzhou, China, to
take part in the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup championships. Along
with her husband, Taufik Kiemas, an enthusiast of the sport that
was once extremely popular here, Megawati used her time to launch
a new badminton campaign at the training facility in East
Jakarta.

The warmth that Megawati showed, at least, gave moral support
to the fighting shuttlers. It was total sincerity like a caress
of a mother wishing her child off for a big test.

Badminton in the country has gone through its ups and downs.

Although the achievements in badminton have been relatively
maintained, it is no longer the main sport, which is played
everywhere like it was in 1960s and 1970s. Future shuttlers,
existing particularly in badminton clubs up to now, do not look
promising in terms of numbers.

Therefore, President Megawati started a campaign to popularize
badminton as well as witnessed the cooperative signing between
the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) and the Ministry of
National Education, aiming to revive badminton activities in
schools. If it can be implemented well, the process itself will
be highly positive to the restoration of the sport.

The government, therefore, has to give enough attention by
making use of available institutions such as schools and
universities.

We hope that, with the support from President Megawati
Soekarnoputri and the government institutions toward badminton
and sports in general, the sports environment here will become
better so that it brings many positive things to the nation.

-- Warta Kota, Jakarta