PBSI to call Taufik's coach on statement
PBSI to call Taufik's coach on statement
JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI)
clarification team will call Taufik Hidayat's coach, Mulyo
Handoyo, to attend a hearing on Wednesday due to Taufik's
statements two weeks ago.
"The reason for calling the coach is because he is not only
responsible for the athlete's physical fitness and technical
skills but also for the mentality and morale in the athlete's
off-court life," said PBSI secretary general, Leo Chandra
Wiranata, who is also a member of the team, on Monday.
A source in the association said that some officials were
targeting Mulyo due to his broken marriage.
"People are asking if it is appropriate for him, with a broken
marriage, to teach his athletes life's values as champions," the
source said.
PBSI set a clarification team last week following
controversial statements made by Taufik after winning the Asian
Badminton Championships here.
The 19-year-old shuttler criticized PBSI for the late payment
of the sponsorship contract with Yonex and tournament prize
money. He also complained about life in the Indonesian Badminton
Center dormitory, which has been neglected by PBSI.
Taufik also criticized PBSI officials for not being able to
maintain discipline among top players.
He also complained about the lack of personal attention from
PBSI chairman, Subagyo Hadisiwoyo, and in the end urged the
latter to step down from his post.
Leo said that the hearing was staged to listen to Taufik's
explanation of his statements.
"It really depends on Taufik to answer our questions
Wednesday. He made the statements. We want to know what he wants
from the officials. If he really doesn't need us, what does he
expect. We also want to know if he can work things out without
our help. For instance, can he access his prize money without the
help of the treasurer?"
Leo was open to the possibility of calling other players on
the matter.
"We just want to gather as much information as we need. But we
don't want to create conflict among the players on this matter."
"The team doesn't have the authority to give punishment to
Taufik. We will only give our recommendations to PBSI chairman
before he decides on the punishment."
Leo said according to PBSI regulation, the association had
four options of punishment to Taufik.
"We can warn him verbally or officially in writing. If that is
not considered enough, we can ban him from training and
competition. If necessary, we can expel him from the center."
On Friday, the team's chairman, Karsono, assured the press
that Taufik would not be expelled from the center as "he is a
valuable asset to the nation and the association."
Taufik told The Jakarta Post that he has already complained
about the situation to Subagyo and other officials in a
gathering.
"But there has never been any change in our lives. However, I
will accept all decisions made by PBSI. If they want to punish
me, then so be it."
"I am sorry if I hurt anyone's feelings by my comments but
it's the truth and everybody knows it." (yan)