PBSI delays closure of training center

PBSI delays closure of training center

JAKARTA (JP): Due to calls from the national shuttlers, the
Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) agreed on Monday to
delay the closure of the national centralized training center.

PBSI had intended to close the training center on Monday but
agreed to delay the move until Dec. 16 to enable the players to
prepare for the National Interclub Championships in Banjarmasin,
South Kalimantan from Jan. 9 to Jan. 14.

"The decision to send home the shuttlers was to enable them to
represent their clubs in the tournament. It also allows shuttlers
to make travel arrangements to their hometowns during the holiday
season this year," PBSI chairman Subagyo Hadisiswoyo told
reporters at the Indonesian Badminton Center in Cipayung, East
Jakarta.

"PBSI is sending back 56 shuttlers to their clubs. The
association is very grateful for their dedication and
achievement."

Subagyo was accompanied by secretary-general Leo Chandra
Wiranata, official in charge of athletes development Mangombar
Ferdinand Siregar and acting chairman of Patron Board Suhendarto.

"The shuttlers argued that they will not have capable practice
partners if they return to their clubs. Besides, the facilities
here are better," he said.

PBSI will start its centralized training program in January
after the championships. Shuttlers will be informed by letter of
their readmission to the center. Subagyo indicated that the
number of shuttlers will be halved from the current 56.

"We'll call them back after the championships. There will be
an evaluation to determine which players will be admitted. It
will be based on their international achievement, attitude and
potential. We'll study the matter carefully," Subagyo said.

"Those who don't have the right attitude, such as those who
are indisciplined will be excluded although they have performed
well."

The meeting also discussed other issues including disciplinary
regulations and contract arrangements between PBSI and the
shuttlers. Most shuttlers said they expected a more transparent
and direct arrangement with sponsors.

Men's doubles specialist Candra Wijaya said shuttlers were
demanding a better and more transparent agreement.

"We are requesting that we be allowed to sign our individual
contracts directly with the sponsors instead of with PBSI. Of
course, we will still give our share to PBSI as we don't want to
leave PBSI just like that," he told reporters.

Candra also urged PBSI to review the cuts in the players' fees
and asked the association to help players find cosponsors.

Players' contract fees have been cut by 50 percent to help
PBSI finance athletes development programs.

Speaking of his dispute with men's singles shuttler Taufik
Hidayat, Subagyo said PBSI would decide on the disciplinary
action to be taken against the 19-year-old player this week.

"The sanctions are not only for Taufik but also for other
shuttlers who have violated the regulations," he said.

Taufik is known to patronize night entertainment centers. He
told reporters that he would obey all decisions made by PBSI as
long as it was fair.

"I'll accept the decision if PBSI suspends me for three months
for my mistakes. But if the suspension is too long, let's say six
months, I'll appeal the decision," he said.

"So far I haven't thought about playing for other countries.
My priority is still Indonesia. But if I were cornered and there
was nowhere to go, I'll leave." (nvn)