Ricky, Antonius quit badminton center

Ricky, Antonius quit badminton center

JAKARTA (JP): Ricky Achmad Subagdja, a gold medalist at the
1996 Olympics, and bronze medalist Antonius Budi Arianto resigned
from the Indonesian Badminton Center effective on Feb. 17.

The center's training director, Christian Hadinata, confirmed
the resignations on Tuesday, saying both shuttlers left the
center because of their age.

Ricky and Antonius both turn 30 this year, and both have lost
their long-time doubles partners. Ricky used to be partnered with
Rexy Mainaky, who is now coaching the English badminton team,
while Antonius's former partner, Denny Kantono, has already left
the center.

"Both players realized their age left them unable to compete
with the younger players. With the difficult financial conditions
faced by the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI), they knew
it would be difficult for them to reach the targets set by us,"
Christian said during a telephone interview.

Ricky and Rexy shot to the top of the world rankings in 1993
and held that position until 1997. Their greatest achievement was
winning the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics.

While Antonius and Denny were overshadowed by Ricky and Rexy,
they did win the bronze medal at the 1996 Olympics.

The four shuttlers played major roles in helping Indonesia
retain the Thomas Cup since 1996, and Ricky and Rexy teamed up in
last year's successful Thomas Cup campaign.

Christian said Ricky and Antonius would compete in the All
England in Birmingham from March 7 to March 11, though they would
have to pay their own ways.

"PBSI must be selective in sending its shuttlers. Therefore we
asked them to pay their own expenses. They will have to seek
their own sponsorships if they still want to represent the
country at international events. PBSI can only help handle the
paperwork."

Christian said the two players were still welcome at the
center as practice partners for the younger shuttlers.

"They are still training at the center as usual. We need their
experience and skill to help raise the level of play of the
juniors. They are always welcome at the center. Nothing has
changed in our treatment of them."

PBSI secretary-general Leo Chandra Wiranata said he had not
yet received the shuttlers' resignation letters.

"With the new organizational structure, the training director
will hand over the letters to the chairman before I am ordered to
draft a letter confirming their resignations."

Ricky and Antonius' resignations lowers the number of senior
shuttlers at the center to 37. (yan)