Team manager knew about Mia's absence

JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) cautioned All England team manager about his reaction to Mia Audina's planned absence from training last month.

PBSI vice chairman Agus Wirahadikusumah, said on Sunday he had called team manager Hadi Nasri and Mia to discuss the problem.

"I have warned Hadi Nasri, because as the team manager he should have asked Mia whether she had a permission letter. If she didn't, he should have called me or his superior in the athletes development division, Mangombar Ferdinand Siregar.

"As a manager, he could have asked where Mia was going, how long, when she would return, what we could help her with and other questions. Mia joined a team and she could not just leave without permission."

Hadi has insisted he did not know of Mia's whereabouts after she competed in the tournament in Birmingham, England, last month. He only said Mia had requested permission from coach Liang Chiusia.

However, Mia said Hadi had known of her plans to marry Surinamese boyfriend Tylio Lobman in Amsterdam and her April 15 return date.

"The three of us have discussed (the situation) and I discovered that miscommunication occurred between Mia and Hadi," Agus said.

"Hadi was careless to assume Mia already had a permission letter."

Mia said on Saturday she had told PBSI chairman Subagyo Hadisiswoyo, and Siregar in January about her wedding plans. She said she had requested a letter acknowledging permission from PBSI executive director Karsono, but the All England preparations caused her to forget the letter.

"Mia was wrong because she didn't know that as part of PBSI, she should have had a permission letter. If only she had told us, we could have had a small party to celebrate her wedding," Agus said.

Agus said Subagyo had forgiven Mia for her blunder.

He said Mia still had a chance to join the Sudirman Cup and World Championships team as PBSI would name members of the squad today.

"From the first simulation on Friday, I think Mia didn't show her world class form. Her physical condition and fighting spirit were poor.

"I don't expect too much from her in that state because we'll face tough challenges from participating countries in both events."

The Sudirman Cup and World Championships will take place in Copenhagen from May 10 to May 23. (yan)