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)