Shuttlers to get contract money before Idul Fitri

Shuttlers to get contract money before Idul Fitri

JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia's
chairman, Soerjadi, promised players that the organization will
endeavor to pay all the outstanding contract money before Idul
Fitri.

"I'm asking for some time to give the money to you but I hope
it can be done soon. But it doesn't mean that you're going to get
the money tomorrow. Insya Allah (God willing) we'll sort it out
before Idul Fitri," he said at the national badminton center in
Cipayung, East Jakarta.

The association's executive director, Sumaryono, said that the
payment might be done at the same time as the new contract
payment.

"If I meet the person I want to see today or tomorrow, I'll
pay it next week," Soerjadi said without mentioning who it was.

Fifty national shuttlers boycotted the New Year's party at
Soerjadi's house as a protest at the late payment of the contract
money from Yonex, a Japanese sports equipment company.

They urged the officials to pay the August to October
contract, which should have been received in November.

"After we checked our records we still have to pay you
US$197,000," Soerjadi told the players.

The association takes 25 percent of the contract and gives the
rest to the players.

Sixty percent of the 25 percent is split between the
association's branches nationwide. The remaining 40 percent is
usually returned to the players at the end of the year as a
bonus.

Speaking in front of the players, Soerjadi said that based on
the records of the association's treasurer, Purnomo Sidhi,
the players had received their money every three months for the
past three years.

"It is stated in the account that the treasurer has paid the
last 12 installments but where did the money go?," he asked.

"The problem will hopefully be cleared up by April. As for the
next contract, we'll manage it in special accounts. I don't want
this to happen again. Pak Sumaryono will appoint the person to be
in charge of the reports," he said.

Responsible

Soerjadi, whose term as chairman ends in August, stressed that
he would be responsible for the association's mistake and did not
want to leave any lingering problems to his successor.

The chairman thanked the players for exposing the problem.

"There are some traditions which need to be improved. It's
fair enough what you told the press. I thank you all since what
you said came from your hearts," he said.

Soerjadi said that the new two-year contract with Yonex,
starting on Nov. 1, 1996, is worth $1 million a year.

Yonex suggested a bonus-and-penalty system but the association
refused to accept it. Yonex later agreed to give bonuses to
players, if they won, but dismissed the penalty aspect.

Players will receive individual bonuses, which will be given
if they win in any of 15 of the 20 Grand Prix tournaments.

Citing an example, Soerjadi said that Yonex will give a $2,250
bonus to men's singles winners who win the Chinese Taipei Open,
$3,000 for the Korean Open winner and $4,000 for the Japan Open
winner.

Players will also receive special bonuses in certain
situations: men's singles players must win nine of the 15
tournaments to qualify, men's doubles must win eight, women's
singles win five, and women's and mixed doubles must win three
each.

At the end of the contract year, the singles players will
receive another bonus.

Another example is that the women's singles will receive
$62,250 in the first year, and later on receive $75,000. The
men's singles will receive $75,000 and $90,000 in the second half
of the contract.

Soerjadi said that Yonex proposed to punish players if they
break the rule. After one warning, the top-rated players will
have to pay a $10,000 fine. Unrated shuttlers will have to pay
$5,000.

Details of the contract are to be discussed further with Yonex
tomorrow.

Soerjadi urged the players to fight harder in the Japan and
Korean Open tournaments and to be more professional.

The association is to send Alan Budikusuma, Ardy B. Wiranata,
Indra Wijaya, Budi Santoso, Salim, Nunung Subandoro, Ricky
Subagja, Rexy Mainaky, Denny Kantono, Antonius, Sigit Budiarto,
Chandra Wijaya, Rudy Wijaya, Tony Gunawan, Trikus Heryanto and
Flandy Limpele, to for both tournaments on the men's side.

Mia Audina, Meiluawati, Lidya Djaelawidjaja, Ellen Anggelina,
Eliza, Zelin Resiana, Susi Susanti, Finarsih, Minarti Timur and
Risyeu Rosalina also leave this evening to play in the women's
events.

Some national shuttlers are currently in Chinese Taipei taking
part in the on-going Open there. (yan)