National shuttlers arrive without great celebration
JAKARTA (JP): No fanfare or big crowd was present and less than 100 people appeared in the VIP Lounge of the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport yesterday to cheer the arrival of new men's double world champion Sigit Budiarto and Chandra Wijaya.
The state minister for youth affairs and sports, Hayono Isman, the National Sports Council chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar, Badminton Association of Indonesia chairman Soerjadi and former world champion Icuk Sugiarto, along with his charges from Pelita Bakrie club, were among those to welcome the players.
A six-month partnership between Sigit/Chandra overcame Malaysia's Olympic silver medalists Cheah Soon Kit/Yap Kim Hock 8-15, 18-17, 15-7 in a thrilling match.
Their winning effort was a sweet victory for Indonesia after its failures at the Sudirman Cup team championships and the World Championship.
Indonesia only reached the semifinals at the Sudirman Cup and took four bronzes - Heriyanto Arbi in the men's singles, Eliza/Zelin Resiana in the women's doubles, Tri Kusherjanto/Minarti Timur in mixed doubles and Ricky Subagja/Rexy Mainaky in the men's doubles - and one gold from Sigit/Chandra, in the World Championship.
Sigit and Chandra did not speak at yesterday's ceremony. Chandra was still able to smile but Sigit looked nervous. Their parents came to join the celebration.
"We're very proud with your hard work although we haven't reached the maximum results. We used to have Susi Susanti, Joko Suprianto and Ricky/Rexy but this year is the time for Chandra/Sigit to be the winner," Hayono said.
"When we lose, there's always a meaning. This year's loss means we will improve our badminton in the future," he said.
Soerjadi said changes would be made at the national badminton center in Cipayung, East Jakarta, to improve Indonesian badminton.
"Before leaving the country, coaches had given their all to the shuttlers and all players had said they were ready for the championship. But they were shocked with the results. It means we, the association's officials, have to find a way to improve their training," he said.
"We have to create a more motivational environment during the training, improve coach's skills and get young athletes to compete more and achieve more at international events," he said.
Soerjadi urged the public not to lose hope and support for Indonesia's shuttlers.
"Let's hope that badminton, which is still a favorite sport of the public, will not bring disappointment to its fans due to our loss," he said.
Soerjadi refused to say how much in bonuses the shuttlers would receive.
Sigit's mother Nanik Sriniati and father Sutoto said they were proud of their son's victory.
"We were so tense during the match, especially in the second game. Thank God, Sigit and Chandra could finish it well and won," Nanik said.
Chandra's mother Indranita said she was happy but also sad because Chandra won the championship but his older brother Indra Wijaya lost to Denmark's Peter Rasmussen.
"However, I thank God for Chandra's win. I always told him every time he rang me from Glasgow that he could make it," she said.
"His father and I could not stand the emotion. We often went to the restrooms at critical points because we were so tense," she said.
"Chandra and I will do our best to retain this title at the next championship in Copenhagen. With God's permission we can win the 2000 Olympics," Sigit said. (yan)