Shuttlers selected for 1996 Olympics

Shuttlers selected for 1996 Olympics

JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI)
selected 36 players to be groomed for the 1996 Olympic Games in
Atlanta, the U.S., as part of their plan to retain at least two
of the single gold medals won in Barcelona.

PBSI's executive chairman and Olympic project officer
Sumaryono said yesterday that the male and female shuttlers, who
are among the country's top shuttlers, were called up to join the
centralized training center at the end of December last year
based on their performances throughout 1994.

"The players were sorted out after a series of consultations
involving both top PBSI officials and coaches," said Sumaryono,
adding that preparations for the Games would cost PBSI Rp 2
billion (US$917,000).

"Changes could very possibly be made before we decide on the
definite Olympic team," Sumaryono added.

The International Badminton Federation (IBF) has ruled that
only the world's 16 best at the end of this year would qualify
for the Olympics. Each country has a maximum of two
representatives, but Indonesia was given an exception of fielding
three players.

Indonesia carved out a piece of Olympic history when Alan
Budikusuma and Susi Susanti took the badminton golds in Barcelona
in 1992.

The triumphant Thomas Cup squad comprising world number one
Ardy Wiranata, Hariyanto Arbi, Joko Suprianto, Hermawan Susanto,
world doubles team number one Ricky Subagja and Rexy Mainaky and
their number two pair of Bambang Suprianto and Rudy Gunawan all
won the call-up.

Olympic men's singles winner Alan, who was dropped from the
Thomas Cup and Asian Games contingent, was given a second chance
to don the national colors at the world's biggest sporting
extravaganza.

PBSI, however, shied away from former leading singles player
Fung Permadi, saying that Fung was considered to have no prospect
due to his dropping form.

The singles team also will include Lioe Tiong Ping and
Hendrawan. The doubles squad will have two rising couples of
Denny Kantono/Antonius and Ade Sutrisna and Chandra Wijaya.

World badminton queen Susi Susanti will lead a 17-strong team,
with Indonesia's victorious Uber Cup players highlighting its
lineup.

Mia Audina, Yuliani Sentosa, Yuni Kartika, Finarsih, Lili
Tampi, Zelin Resiana, Eliza join the training stint along with
Ika Henny, Kristin Yunita, Meiluawati, Lydia Djaelawidjaja,
Nonong Denis Zanati, Enny Octaviani, Dede Hasanah, Minarti Timur
and Sri Untari.(amd)