Shuttlers need outdoor training, Christian says

JAKARTA (JP): Outdoor training is necessary for national shuttlers to increase their motivation, build a competitive spirit among themselves and to have fun.

This opinion was voiced by the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) training director Christian Hadinata at the Senayan Madya Stadium on Wednesday.

"Athletes will be motivated to follow all programs. They will cheer each other and feel they belong to the team. This kind of program won't only allow them to have fun but it also encourages them to have a competitive spirit among themselves," he said.

PBSI sent its Thomas and Uber Cups and the Olympic Games teams for physical tests at the stadium under the supervision of the National Sports Council's (KONI) sports science commission.

Three of 31 shuttlers -- men's singles Hariyanto Arbi and Budi Santoso, and mixed doubles Tri Kusheryanto -- failed to show up for the tests.

During the tests -- comprising seven aspects: a 30-meter sprint, 300m sprint, vertical jump, one-minute sit-up, 4x5-meter shuttle run, 15 minutes of jogging and flexibility (sit and reach) -- athletes showed their happiness and teamwork.

They cheered and applauded their friends who achieved the best results. Men's doubles specialist Flandy Limpele was lauded by teammates as he finished first in the vertical jump.

While women's singles player Niniek Masrikah and men's doubles competitor Tony Gunawan were applauded when announced as the best in the flexibility test.

Christian said the test procedure enabled athletes to watch the process which encouraged them to compete among themselves.

"If there's no competition, I'm afraid they won't do the tests in accordance with their capacity. We won't be able to detect their real strength."

Christian also said that outdoor training should be conducted more often. "I think we can start by having cross country training once a week."

PBSI physical trainer Tahir Djide expressed optimism that he would be able to increase their physical fitness in the remaining three weeks prior to the Thomas and Uber Cups in Kuala Lumpur from May 11 to May 21.

"We now have a 40 percent program for physical training and 60 percent for technical aspects and strategy. Starting on Sunday, the percentage of physical training will decrease to only 20 percent. But I believe they can increase their physical fitness before the event begins."

Tahir said the test showed that the fitness of the men's shuttlers was better than women's.

"Our women shuttlers have an average VO2max (lungs oxygen capacity) of less than 51 millimeters cubed/kilogram/minute, which is categorized as average, but we must work hard to increase it. While the men's shuttlers have less than 65 mm3/kg/minute which is good enough."

Tahir said the physical test also reflected athletes' discipline in maintaining their fitness.

"As elite players they must be able to maintain their condition because they are the best and have the biggest responsibility for the country." (yan)