Surjadi decides to leave badminton association

Surjadi decides to leave badminton association

JAKARTA (JP): The chairman of the Badminton Association of
Indonesia, Surjadi, has decided it is time to quit. He said
yesterday he would not be standing for re-election at the
national congress here later this month.

Surjadi, who has been chairman since 1993, told reporters that
he might not be able to face the challenge in the next five
years.

"The job really consumes my energy and thinking. It's time for
another person to take over," he said after an informal meeting
with State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sport Hayono Isman.

"I also have my personal reason," said the former Deputy Army
Chief of Staff. "I will be fully retired from the Army on Nov. 11
and I want to enjoy it."

Under Surjadi's leadership, national shuttlers brought home
the Thomas and Uber Cups in 1994 and 1996, but they failed to win
the Sudirman Cup in 1995 and 1997.

Surjadi's was one of three names nominated for the position of
association chairman. The other nominees are the current Deputy
Army Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Subagyo Hadisiswoyo, and the
Jakarta Military Commander, Maj. Gen. Syafrie Syamsuddin.

Surjadi said he hoped the new chairman would not have the same
difficulties he experienced when he took over.

"The new chairman will need to get to know the staff so that
there is good communication," he said.

He said the new chairman would not have any problems with the
organization.

"I think the system has worked smoothly. Whoever leads the
association should not have any difficulties," he said.

Surjadi said the new chairman must love badminton and want to
dedicate himself to the sport. He must also be good at managing,
should understand the sport technically, and be able to raise
money to fund the association.

Interference

Minister Hayono said at the meeting that the government would
not interfere with the upcoming congress because it believed the
association could handle its internal affairs.

"The government is not putting up a nominee to chair the
association. We believe the congress participants can elect their
own chairman," he said.

The quadrennial congress will be opened by Vice President Try
Sutrisno, the association's patron, and will run from Nov. 28 to
Dec. 1. Representatives from the 27 provincial branches will
attend.

Hayono said he hoped the election of the chairman would not
dominate the congress and that delegates would concentrate on
ways to improve the training program.

"I think it's good if participants seek advice on training
from badminton experts," he said.

Speaking about world number two Susi Susanti's call to let
senior shuttlers turn professional, Surjadi said he would
recommend the suggestion to the new chairman.

"I will personally deliver the idea to the new chairman," he
said.

Surjadi said he would miss training with the players at the
training center in Cipayung, East Jakarta.

"I still want to play against coaches and players when I'm
retired," he said. (yan)