Taufik disappointed with Subagyo's absence at hearing

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia men's singles shuttler Taufik Hidayat expressed his disappointment in his hearing with the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) clarification team.

The hearing concerned the critical statements made by Taufik after winning the Asian Badminton Championships early this month.

"I'm disappointed because I didn't meet chairman Subagyo (Hadisiswoyo) in person. However, I made an apology due to my statement about the military and the way I addressed my comments to the media," the 19-year-old shuttler said on Wednesday.

"The hearing is not final yet as the team will likely call me in on another day for further clarification."

Taufik urged Subagyo to step down and said the next chairman should not come from the military.

"What I meant to say is not to treat us, players, in a military way. This is sports. I want the players to be treated as family. They should meet the athletes in person. I think it would be good if officials were willing to take us out for lunch or dinner. That would be enough to give their attention as former officials have."

The team's chairman, Karsono, told the media that he would report to Subagyo on Thursday as the chairman was attending the Aqua Master championships in Medan, North Sumatra.

"What matters is that Taufik apologized for his mistake. He was not really satisfied with the hearing for not meeting the chairman personally.

"Taufik, his coach (Mulyo Handoyo) and members of the team signed a deal on this problem, which I cannot explain now."

Karsono refuted all criticism made by Taufik, who said many officials did not show up at the Indonesian Badminton Center, East Jakarta, and most did not treat players as their own children.

"That is not true. We have groomed the players from a very young age and we are trying hard enough to make them champions."

"But I have to admit that some of Taufik's criticism was true, including the absence of many officials."

Karsono also said the players' job was only to train, compete and win.

"I agree with Pak Karsono's statement but I want to add that PBSI officials must do their job correctly and properly. We will keep our mouths closed," Taufik said in response to the statement.

"If they get the job done, believe me, none of the players will protest, especially about the prize money."

Other players also threw their weight behind Taufik by supporting him before the hearing. They also requested a moment to speak to officials.

Men's doubles specialist Rexy Mainaky, the chairman of the players' board, said Taufik's statement reflected the real situation at the core of the issue.

"We will fight for our rights. We ask PBSI to improve its contract with Yonex, especially with the freedom to get individual sponsorships. We want PBSI to help us. We don't mind sharing a contract with PBSI but it must be negotiable."

"The relationships between athletes and coaches are very tense now. They don't give a damn about us. Therefore we support Taufik's fight." (yan)