PBSI urged to send more shuttlers to int'l events
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)