Mia gets another chance

JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) is allowing top women's shuttler Mia Audina to prepare for the Sudirman Cup and World Championships next month despite complaints over her undisciplined behavior.

"We are giving a second chance to Mia to show her form during her training here. I will personally observe her training and other athletes prepared for both major events," PBSI vice chairman Agus Wirahadikusumah said on Wednesday.

Agus denied PBSI would not sanction the 19-year-old shuttler, who recently returned from the Netherlands after marrying Surinamese boyfriend Tylio Lobman on March 30.

"If Mia can't show improvement during her training and perform satisfactorily in both simulations for the events by the end of this month, we may dismiss her or drop her from the country's squad for next month's event," he said.

PBSI will stage simulation matches on April 23 at the Armed Forces Headquarters stadium in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, and on April 28 at the National Badminton Center in Cipayung, East Jakarta.

Agus said punishment, which might be meted out by PBSI after the simulation, would show to other shuttlers the organization did not discriminate in its treatment of athletes.

"Anybody who is undisciplined must be punished," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

Agus said he asked Mia to explain her three-week absence from training, but he declined to discuss her response.

The 1996 Olympic singles silver medalist skipped training after a quarterfinals loss at the All England championships last month. She told coach Liang Chiusia that she was getting married in the Netherlands but she did not inform PBSI officials. She showed up for training on Tuesday. (yan)