Surakarta opts for Asian c'ship

SEMARANG (JP): The Surakarta branch of the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) has chosen to host the Asian junior championship next July instead of the Aqua Cup tournament.

"We were offered to host both events but because the dates were too close, we opted for the junior championship," branch chairman Budiharjo said.

"We'd love to host both events. We can still host both events if the Asian championship is postponed to September," he said, adding that Semarang could now host the Aqua Cup.

The Aqua Cup is slated for June 26 to June 30, while the Asian junior championship will be held in July.

Surakarta has hosted several national and regional badminton competitions in the past, including the Aqua Cup, Moenadi Cup, Abdul Kadir Cup and the 1997 Indonesian Open.

Budiharjo said the Bhinneka Sports Hall was designed for major tournaments like the Indonesian Open.

Budiharjo, who also chairs the PMS badminton club in Surakarta, said his shuttlers would take part in an upcoming national club tournament in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan.

PMS will send three men and four women to the event, he said. (har)