Shuttlers decide to give more to association

Shuttlers decide to give more to association

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's national shuttlers have agreed to
double the amount of money they contribute to the Badminton
Association of Indonesia in the wake of the rupiah's collapse.

"I was really surprised to learn of their decision. I think it
will help them boost their fighting spirit and help them all
become better-quality players," said the chairman of the
Badminton Association of Indonesia, Subagyo Hadisiswoyo, on
Friday.

Previously, the association cut 25 percent of the players'
contract money from Japanese sports manufacturer Yonex to finance
sports development at the Badminton Training Center in Cipayung,
East Jakarta and the development of badminton throughout
Indonesia.

Subagyo said that although the association greatly appreciated
the shuttlers' gesture it was still not enough.

Due to the rupiah's collapse, the association's budget is
three times higher than last year's Rp 5 billion (US$2 million
using the old conversion rate of 2,500), to finance the
association and Rp 2.8 billion for the athletes development.

Subagyo, accompanied by secretary-general Leo Ch. Wiranata and
budget division chairman James T. Riady, explained the financial
status of the association to the shuttlers.

"We have to explain it now because the shuttlers need to know
our financial situation. And we've explained that we have less
money than our expenses this year," he said.

Kompas reported national shuttlers did not mind the contract
money being cut as long as the officials could explain clearly
and transparently where it went.

Joko Suprianto said: "The idea is good because the association
has been helping us so far. I hope it's useful to give 50 percent
of our contract money to help the athletes' development program.
The shuttlers must also realize that if the association does not
have any money, the athletes can't compete in international
events."

Susi Susanti, the 1992 Olympic gold medalist and 1996 Olympic
bronze medalist, said: "We all have to sacrifice because it's
also for our benefit. The most important thing is future national
success."

Rexy Mainaky, 1996 Olympic men's doubles gold medalist along
with Ricky Subagja, said: "We understand that it's impossible to
ask for assistance from conglomerates right now. To send
shuttlers to the Japan Open has been hard. We can tolerate the
officials' demands."

Women's doubles and mixed doubles player, Finarsih, said: "I
can understand the situation. I want to help the association to
retain our supremacy. If we don't have enough money to send
shuttlers to international events, Indonesia will lose its
glorious standing in the world. This is our lives, we have to
deal with it." (yan)