Megawati bids good luck to shuttlers

JP/P.J. Leo

President Megawati Soekarnoputri smiles as she fails to send the shuttlecock over the net at the Indonesian Badminton Center (PBI) in Cipayung, East Jakarta.

Megawati visited the center on Saturday to see off the Indonesian Thomas Cup and Uber Cup teams who will leave for China on Monday.

Indonesia is the currently holder of the men's Thomas Cup and will try to combine it with the women's Uber Cup. The finals start on Thursday and continue until May 19 in Guangzhou, China. The unprecedented presidential visit was also to commemorate the 51st anniversary of the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI).

In her improptu speech, Megawati called on all shuttlers to do their best to help promote the country's image. --JP