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