PBSI to improve training discipline
PBSI to improve training discipline
BANDUNG, West Java (JP): The Badminton Association of
Indonesian (PBSI) plans to enforce stricter discipline on
shuttlers at the national training camp in Cipayung, East
Jakarta, chairman Gen. Subagyo Hadisiswoyo said on Sunday.
"The strict discipline is aimed at ensuring that all shuttlers
carry out their training seriously and they are always in peak
form," Subagyo said after opening a seminar on preparations for
the 2000 Sydney Olympics here on Sunday.
The seminar was attended by executives from all the provincial
badminton bodies. Former world champion Joko Suprianto and 1992
Olympic gold medalist Alan Budikusuma were also present.
Subagyo, also Army chief of staff, said that PBSI would revise
the rules applied in the training camp to help Indonesian
shuttlers restore their and the nation's pride on the
international scene.
"We have frequently failed to excel in international events
because we fall short in our preparations," he said.
When speaking about the lack of discipline, Subagyo
acknowledged he was referring to the doping case involving world
men's doubles champion Sigit Budiarto and the rumors swirling
around Olympic women's singles silver medalist Mia Audina.
"Yes, the two cases have much to do with the loose discipline
at the training camp," he said.
The International Badminton Federation announced on Tuesday
that Sigit failed a dope test at the Singapore Open. Banned
substance nandrolone was detected in the "A" sample of his urine
test.
Mia is on the decline after taking a silver at the Atlanta
Olympics in 1996. Many believe her blossoming relationship with
her Suriname-born boyfriend is to blame for her ebbing form.
"I have never barred Mia from falling in love, but she will
have violated our internal rules if it's true that she once
allowed her boyfriend to spend a night with her in her room at
the training camp," Subagyo said.
On Sigit, who with Candra Wijaya won the men's doubles title
at the 1997 World Badminton Championships, Subagyo said the PBSI
would ban him from all competition for two years if he is found
guilty. (rms)