Taufik to resume training on Tuesday

JAKARTA (JP): World number three Taufik Hidayat is scheduled to resume training on Tuesday with new coach Agus Dwi Santoso, the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) executive director Karsono told reporters on Monday.

"PBSI and Taufik have agreed that Taufik will soon start his training session with Agus. Initially, Taufik rejected the idea, but I told him that the country really needs him for the Thomas Cup next year, so he must start training soon."

"I also told him he was still young and had a long career ahead. Finally Taufik agreed to train with Agus." Taufik was asked to train with Agus when PBSI did not renew his coach Mulyo Handoyo's contract on June 15 after the Sudirman Cup and World Championships in Seville, Spain.

The 19-year-old shuttler has been practicing by himself with the men's doubles players.

Due to Taufik's stubbornness, Karsono asked PBSI West Java chapter chairman Lutfi Hamid to persuade Taufik to start training with Agus. Lutfi also chairs Taufik's club, Bandung-based Sangkuriang Graha Sarana (SGS).

"I talked to Pak Lutfi to solve the problem. It was not an easy job dealing with Taufik," he said.

"But we must handle problems with eccentric shuttlers such as Taufik in a father-and-son approach.

"PBSI is partly responsible as it failed to inform Taufik personally when Mulyo's contract was not renewed."

Karsono said he had no knowledge of the recruitment of an assistant coach.

"I don't think it's such an important issue as the present officials will end their tenure in October. PBSI will elect a new chairman during its national congress," he said.

"All the coaches' contracts will also end in October. So we don't have to find Mulyo's replacement until a new board is elected. It is up to chairman Subagyo Hadisiswoyo, training director Christian Hadinata and Agus himself to decide."

Taufik himself showed little enthusiasm over the issue.

"I don't know what to do as I have lost the motivation to join the training sessions. I don't want to start the training sessions halfhearted," he told reporters after training at the Indonesian Badminton Center in Cipayung, East Jakarta.

"Besides, I am still disappointed with PBSI officials who did not inform me of Mas Mulyo's termination."

Taufik said he could not adjust to Agus's training program, but declined to elaborate. Taufik also admitted he had never joined Agus' training session.

"It will be unfair for other shuttlers if I demand for a special training program with Mas Agus. Others will see it as inappropriate. I don't want to raise a new controversy," he said.

"But last Friday I joined a sparring session with his shuttlers."

Meanwhile, Agus said he would not give special treatment to Taufik as it would be unfair to the other shuttlers.

"If there is special treatment, it will be in my heart and will not be expressed."

"I will emphasize on Taufik's commitment to badminton and develop his logic once he starts training. I will also ask him to reduce his night activities." (nvn)