Shuttlers return heroes
Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta
ozens of high school students cheered and waved Indonesian flags as Olympic gold medalist Taufik Hidayat arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Tuesday evening.
About 30 shuttlers from the national training center in Cipayung were also among the crowd welcoming the returning hero. They clapped and chanted as the Olympic champion, followed by fellow Olympic athletes, emerged from the VIP room at the airport.
Taufik, accompanied by bronze medalists Sony Dwi Kuncoro, Flandy Limpele and Eng Hian, and other members of the Indonesian sporting contingent, was greeted by National Sports Council (KONI) chairman Agum Gumelar.
Despite being given little chance of winning an Olympic medal, Taufik proved his mettle by overpowering Shon Seung-mo of South Korea in the final of the badminton men's singles competition.
Though the Olympics are still underway in Athens, Taufik is likely to be Indonesia's lone gold medal winner, making him the focus of the celebrations.
However, Agum praised all of Indonesia's Olympic athletes. "Everyone who fights for the country's honor is a hero. You are all heroes to us for lifting the country's honor in international competition by raising the Indonesian flag in Athens."
With one week to go for the Olympics, the Indonesian contingent of 39 athletes and officials representing 13 sports has begun arriving home.
Thirty-two athletes and officials arrived on Tuesday. They were from swimming, rowing, judo and badminton.
More athletes and officials are expected to follow in the next few days. The cycling team is scheduled to arrive home on Saturday, while the sailing, canoeing, track and field, tae kwon do and boxing teams are expected next week.
Taufik's victory has maintained Indonesia's gold medal tradition in the Olympics, which began at the Barcelona Games in 1992.
Alan Budikusuma and Susi Susanto struck gold in Barcelona, while Ricky Subagja and Rexy Mainaky triumphed in Atlanta in 1996, and Candra Wijaya and Tony Gunawan enjoyed victory in Sydney in 2000.
Weightlifter Lisa Rumbewas won silver in Athens, making Indonesia's medal haul at the Games one gold, one silver and two bronzes.
"Many people criticized me and wrote me off. I was fired up to prove that I am still able to win," said Taufik, who arrived in Athens with only one tournament victory this year at the Asian Championship.
"My next target is to win the All England Championship and the World Championship next year," he said. Taufik has lost twice in the final of the All England.
Taufik said he planned to take a short break before next month's National Games in Palembang, South Sumatra, where he will represent West Java.
The Olympic gold will also mean a financial windfall for Taufik. Apart from the Rp 1 billion (US$111,111) promised by KONI for a gold medal, Taufik can likely expect other bonuses.
"KONI will hand the cash bonuses to the athletes as soon as possible," Agum said.
West Java Sports Council head Eka Santoso said he would ask the West Java administration to present Taufik with a cash bonus of Rp 170 million.