Shuttlers pledge to bring Sudirman Cup back home
JAKARTA (JP): National shuttlers playing for the Sudirman Cup pledged they would do their best and will try hard to bring home the coveted trophy.
They made the promise yesterday when they bid farewell to National Sports Council chief Wismoyo Arismunandar at the council's headquarters in Senayan.
"Our preparations are much better compared to the All England. We hope our physical condition will peak during our matches and I hope we can bring the Sudirman Cup home," said 30-year-old Joko Suprianto, the eldest player on the team.
Thirty-one shuttlers are preparing for the Sudirman Cup and the World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, from May 19 to June 1.
Indonesia won the cup in 1989, when the Sudirman Cup was first competed for. The Cup was named after Indonesia's badminton founding father Sudirman, who for decades dedicated his passion to the sport until he died in the 1980s.
South Korea had it for two times in a row in 1991 and 1993. In 1995, China took it away after beating Indonesia 3-2 in the finals.
Six countries -- Indonesia, Denmark, England, South Korea, Sweden and defending champion China -- will compete for the cup.
"Our condition, physically and technically, has been declining. It is my last chance as part of the national team to recapture it," Joko said.
Men's doubles Ricky Subagja and Rexy Mainaky, who won a 1996 Olympic gold medal, expressed their ambition to contribute points in the matches.
"Since this is our fourth event, we aim to, at least, get one point for the team and win the cup," Ricky said.
"Although we lost at the All England and Swiss Open in March, our motivation is much stronger now," he added.
"We practice harder and feel much more ready for the Sudirman Cup and the World Championships," said Rexy, who gained three kilograms before the All England.
Mia Audina, an Olympic silver medalist, said she had prepared harder and lost some weight.
"Before the All England, I gained nearly three kilograms. But now I'm in shape and ready for the matches," she said optimistically.
Weakness
The team, which underwent a simulation on April 25, is scheduled to leave the country on May 15 and be back by June 3.
Wismoyo urged the shuttlers not to feel desperate although it has failed to win the cup since 1991.
"Real success can be achieved if you can get back on your feet after failure," he said encouraging the team.
Shuttlers refined themselves after viewing videotapes from the All England to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.
"Don't let yourselves feel like you have a heavy burden on your shoulders. People who feel that way are cowards and are afraid to fight. I believe you all have the courage to show your best," he said.
Joko, Indra Wijaya, Hariyanto Arbi, Alan Budikusuma and Budi Santoso will compete in the men's singles. Mia Audina, Susi Susanti, Meiluawati and Cindana will contest in the women's singles.
Ricky/Rexy, Chandra Wijaya/Sigit Budiarto, Antonius/Denny Kantono and Tony Gunawan/Victor Wibowo will be in the men's doubles. Eliza/Zelin Resiana, Indarti Isolina/Deyana Lomban and Etty Tantri/Cynthia will play in the women's doubles.
Tri Kusherjanto/Minarti Timur, Imam Tohari/Emma Ermawati, Sandiarto/Finarsih and Flandy Limpele/Etty Tantri will team up in the mixed doubles.
The Badminton Association of Indonesia chairman, Soerjadi, said that he never promised to give bonuses to players before they played at both championships.
"They have to work hard and prove themselves. The Sudirman Cup is this year's target because we want to unite it with the Thomas and Uber Cups," he said.
Indonesia took home both the Thomas and Uber Cups after beating Denmark and China respectively in Hong Kong last year. (yan)