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)