Pregnant badminton queen to miss Asian Games

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's best female badminton player Susi Susanti sees her bid to win her first gold medal in an Asian Games vanishing but a baby she will give birth in about eight months is more than enough consolation.

The Badminton Association of Indonesia's director of the national training center Christian Hadinata said on Saturday Susi would not be expected to don the national colors in December's Asiad in Bangkok after she found out she was pregnant.

"It's too risky to let her play in Bangkok although medical considerations may tolerate it. She has dedicated more than enough of her life to badminton, so let her enjoy her happy days with her family," Christian said.

Susi's absence will not adversely affect Indonesia's hopes to take four badminton gold medals home from Bangkok, Christian said. Olympic silver medalist Mia Audina, whose erratic performance has caused her drop out of the world's top 10, will lead Indonesia's charge in the women's event.

"Indeed Susi is still the best but her absence could motivate Mia to prove that she is not Susi's bridesmaid. Who knows, Mia could spring a surprise," said Christian.

Susi has won all major badminton titles plus an Olympic gold in Barcelona six years ago but has never reached the final in Asiad. She was upset by home favorite Hisako Mizui in the semifinals at the 1994 Asiad in Hiroshima, Japan.

The badminton queen married fellow Olympic gold medalist Alan Budikusuma in February last year. They are staying at a badminton camp in Cipayung, East Jakarta, along with the other country's elite shuttlers.

Susi has said she will hang up her racket and start family life after having a baby.

Christian said the country's badminton body had anticipated Susi's imminent retirement. "There are many potential players in store as the result of our continuing regeneration program. So we don't worry about Susi's departure," he said. (amd)