Uber Cup team members come under fire

JAKARTA (JP): Despite the Indonesian Uber Cup team's success in reaching the final stage of the event in Kuala Lumpur in May, it has drawn criticisms from former athletes, the National Sports Council (KONI), and a former official of the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI).

Former badminton queen Susy Susanti said on Sunday at the wedding of men's singles shuttler Hariyanto Arbi that she expected her juniors to be more serious in their international performances.

"I see that some of my juniors have yet to realize their responsibilities as national shuttlers. Sometimes they don't realize that they are competing for the country, PBSI and themselves," said Susy, who is five-months pregnant.

Indonesia defeated Hong Kong 3-1 in the playoffs to claim the third place ticket to the final stage. South Korea and Japan have already earned two tickets. The three countries will join Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden from the European zone, defending champions China and host Malaysia in the event.

Susy said the shuttlers never appeared guilty when they failed at a tournament.

"They don't feel sorry about their failure and only think that their opponents are better. They don't realize that their loss may have been due to their own lack of self-discipline," said the 1992 Olympic Games gold medalist.

Former PBSI chairman Surjadi urged PBSI officials to pay shuttlers more attention to overcome influences in the dormitory.

"I'm still paying attention to our athlete's performances in tournaments. I see that the real world has influenced the life in the dormitories and that has made athletes more likely to break PBSI rules," he said.

Surjadi said due to this influence, PBSI officials needed to sacrifice more to groom their athletes better.

"What happens in their surroundings will also influence their personal life and it gets carried on court. PBSI needs to pay attention to this matter," he said.

"If today's officials treat the shuttlers as we did during my leadership period, it will not be enough anymore. Athletes need more attention from officials."

The council's vice chairman Arie Sudewo and chairman of PBSI board of patrons Try Sutrisno shared the same feelings on PBSI's need to groom younger female athletes to replace their seniors.

"I feel relieved and happy knowing the country's Uber Cup team qualified for the final stage," said Arie on Monday.

"I'm happy because younger shuttlers, including Yuli Marfuah, put in a good performance in such a prestigious event. Our second stringers are ready to replace their seniors," he added.

Try said, "I only want to see PBSI groom young athletes who are ready to replace their seniors in international events."

Arie also said coaches would have to evaluate the shuttler's performances in the qualification rounds.

"Coaches still have time to improve athletes performance before competing in Kuala Lumpur. At least, our shuttlers know the strength of their Asian opponents," he said. (yan)