Taufik to resume training on Tuesday

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)