PBSI urged to send more shuttlers to int'l events

JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) is being urged to be more flexible in allowing shuttlers from outside the Indonesian Badminton Center in Cipayung, East Jakarta, to take part in international events.

"PBSI should allow badminton clubs in solid financial condition to send their players abroad as an alternative to improve Indonesia's achievements," former world champion Rudy Hartono said.

"This will enable shuttlers with good potential to take part in various international tournaments, even if they are not being trained at the center," he said.

Rudy was interviewed on the sidelines of a celebration held by the Jaya Raya badminton club here on Monday to mark its 25th anniversary.

"PBSI can classify the shuttlers and then determine which tournaments they are allowed to take part in based on the classifications.

"I think it would be fine to send club shuttlers to one to three-star tournaments. They can compete in those events," he said.

One-star events offer total prize money of US$30,000, two-star events $50,000 and three-star events offer a total of $150,000 in prize money.

Contacted separately, PBSI secretary-general Leo Chandra Wiranata told The Jakarta Post the mechanisms were already in place to send club shuttlers to international events.

"The clubs are allowed to send their players as long as they meet the requirements based on their past achievements. It is nothing new," he said by telephone.

"PBSI's main concern is that the shuttlers are able to compete and will not be easily defeated. We do not want to disgrace our name.

"I do not think we need a special commission to rank the shuttlers," he said.

Leo reiterated that PBSI already offered clubs the opportunity to send their shuttlers to certain events.

"The shuttlers can take part in various two and three-star Asian tournaments, such as in India, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

"They can also take part in the two-star French Open and the one-star U.S. Open.

"In certain cases, the shuttlers can also take part in higher- ranked events, such as the All England," he said.

Leo used as an example Irwansyah, who no longer trains at the badminton center but will take part in the All England using his own funds.

"Considering his past achievements, I believe Irwansyah can beat his opponents in the earlier stages as long as he does not run into seeded players." (nvn)