National shuttlers arrive without great celebration

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)