One GP title this year, Indra Wijaya promises
By Primastuti Handayani
JAKARTA (JP): The name Indra Wijaya may not be very well-known among the country's badminton fans. He hasn't achieved the popularity of Indonesian stars Joko Suprianto, Alan Budikusuma and Hariyanto Arbi.
But the first son of Hendra Wijaya and Indranita, who will celebrate his 23rd birthday on March 16, is now ranked fourth in the world and is set to grab his first title in the Grand Prix series tournament.
"My goal this year is to win at least one Grand Prix title," he said.
Indra, as one of Indonesia's young shuttlers, has performed well in several major events.
"I realize that I haven't won any titles, but I'm satisfied with my hard work. However, I still have to improve my game," he said.
Indra was the 1996 Malaysian Open finalist before losing to host shuttler Ong Ewe Hock. He also reached the 1996 China Open semifinals, the Grand Prix Finals semifinals and the 1996 Hong Kong Open quarterfinals.
This year, he reached the Japan Open quarterfinals and the Korean quarterfinals, both in January.
Indra is planning to take part in the All England Championships in Birmingham from March 11 to March 15.
"My chances at the All England are slim because the top world players will be there. But I still believe I have a chance. I beat Dong Jiong of China and Ong," he said.
Indra will also take part in the Swiss Open tournament from March 18 to March 25.
He expressed hope that he will be able to improve his playing to become the country's best hope at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, accompanying Hariyanto.
Indra said he felt a tremendous burden in taking part in a team event such as the ongoing A King Asia Cup, which runs from Feb. 19 to Feb. 23 at the Senayan Indoor Tennis Stadium.
"It's really difficult to ignore the pressure. It's different when we play in individual tournaments," he said.
Indra, who loves to watch action movies in his spare time, commented on the spectators' behavior during a match.
"I understand that they want me to win, but when my contender scores, they become a boomerang to me. They no longer provide support, but make me feel down instead," he complained.
Indra has been a member of the Rajawali club in his hometown of Cirebon since childhood and was coached by his uncle Kabul Tanu.
In 1988, he joined the Pelita club in Jakarta and was finally picked to join the National Badminton Center in Cipayung, East Jakarta in early 1993.
His friends, Hendrawan and Marleve Mainaky, have yet to produce performances as good as those of Indra, an offensive type shuttler.
Indra had been coached by the late Triadji and Indra Gunawan since his early years, until 1994. Now he practices under the supervision of coach Tong Sin Fu.
The 1.88 meter shuttler was born in a badminton-loving family. His brother Chandra Wijaya is the world No. 1 doubles with partner Sigit Budiarto.
"I'm very close to Chandra, although sometimes I have a quarrel with him. I think it always happens in a family. When we both take part in a tournament, We always share the same hotel room. It makes our communication easier," he said.