Olympic badminton team announced

Olympic badminton team announced

JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia named 28 players to the national team yesterday to prepare for the Thomas Cup, the Uber Cup and the Olympic Games.

Association chairman, Soerjadi, said during a birthday party at his home that the association decided on the 16 male and 12 female shuttlers after three meetings held over the past two weeks.

Soerjadi, who has chaired the association since 1993, celebrated his 54th birthday yesterday along with players whose birthdays were in January.

As anticipated, old faces dominate the Olympic and the world team championship roster.

Joko Suprianto, Hariyanto Arbi, Ardy B. Wiranata, Alan Budikusuma, Hermawan Susanto, Ricky Subagja and Rexy Mainaky are on the men's team.

Susi Susanti, Mia Audina, Finarsih, Lily Tampi and Minarti Timur will form the backbone of the women's team.

Soerjadi said the association would not pressure the shuttlers who are facing their toughest job ever.

"I just want you to retain the two gold medals Indonesia achieved at the Barcelona Olympics four years ago," he said.

"We only have 135 days to go to the Thomas and Uber Cup finals, and 40 days more to enter the Olympic Games," Soerjadi told his troops.

"Let's use the time efficiently," he said. "Your coaches only lead the way, the rest is up to you."

Joko and his team mates swept both team championship Thomas Cup and Uber Cup trophies here last year. Susi and Alan brought home two gold medals from Barcelona in 1992.

Soerjadi said that all Indonesians will watch their best shuttlers during the Olympics. "The country relies on badminton in the Olympics," he said. "They want us to recapture the singles golds."

Badminton living legends Ferry Sonneville, Rudy Hartono and Imelda Wiguna, also attended yesterday's party. (05)