Subagyo disappointed by Taufik's absence

Subagyo disappointed by Taufik's absence

JAKARTA (JP): Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI)
chairman Subagyo Hadisiswoyo and world number one men's singles
shuttler Taufik Hidayat are playing their own personal game of
hide-and-seek.

Taufik demanded Subagyo attend the hearing on Wednesday about
a statement he made after winning the Asian Badminton
Championships earlier this month.

Then Taufik himself apparently failed to show up for the
closed-door meeting between officials and players at the
Indonesian Badminton Center in Cipayung, East Jakarta, on Friday.

"I'm quite disappointed Taufik didn't show up for today's
meeting even though he had been told (to appear) by Pak Karsono
(PBSI executive director)," Subagyo said after the four-hour
meeting.

"It means Taufik has once again acted without discipline. He
broke his own promise."

The meeting on Friday was attended by PBSI secretary-general
Leo Chandra Wiranata; men's doubles players Candra Wijaya, Flandy
Limpele, Halim Heryanto, Rexy Mainaky, Ricky Subagja, Sigit
Budiarto and Tony Gunawan; women's doubles players Carmelita,
Deyana Lomban and Etty Tantri; women's singles shuttler Lidya
Djaelawidjaja; mixed doubles player Minarti Timur; and Taufik's
coach Mulyo Handoyo.

"Most players are going to Yogyakarta to attend the wedding of
mixed doubles player Tri Kusharjanto on Saturday. I don't know
about others, including Taufik, because I can't reach him on his
cellular phone," said the former chairman of the Players Board,
Rexy.

The meeting on Friday was held to discuss with the players
several issues, mainly concerned with PBSI's financial condition,
players' sponsorship contracts and prize money.

"We told them PBSI suffered a deficit of some Rp 6 billion
(US$650,000) in the 2000 fiscal year. PBSI received some Rp 4.3
billion (in funding), while its expenses reached Rp 10.3
billion," Subagyo said.

Of the Rp 4.3 billion, Rp 2.3 billion came from the Indonesian
Badminton Foundation, while the contract with Japan-based sports
equipment manufacturer Yonex accounted for the other Rp 2
billion.

"We also explained that we must first deduct the 15 percent
income tax from their pay, as regulated by the government. The
remaining amount is divided 25 percent for PBSI and 75 percent
for the players," said Subagyo.

"Most players think PBSI took two deductions from their money,
first the income tax and then PBSI's share. But then they were
able to accept our explanation."

Subagyo will have another meeting on Monday with the veteran
shuttlers to discuss conduct in the badminton center's dormitory.

"Both officials and players will discuss regulations to be
applied at the center. The meeting will also look for ways to
enable former shuttlers to contribute their ideas for the
development of the sport.

"Another issue is the training schedule during the upcoming
Ramadhan fasting month. We have yet to decide whether to have the
shuttlers continue training or give them time off.

"Since the interclub national championship is coming up, we
could send shuttlers back home to train with their clubs for the
biennial event. But if they want to stay at the center, they are
very welcome."

Rexy said after the meeting on Friday that most shuttlers were
satisfied with the explanations concerning their financial
rights.

"Now we know that there are several procedures that must be
taken before we receive our money. We just found out that the 15
percent income tax first has to be deducted from our money."
(nvn)