Veteran shuttlers set
Veteran shuttlers set
up badminton community
Novan Iman Santosa
Jakarta
Despite the fact that the nation's badminton players have
brought pride to their country, many of them still fall victim to
racial discrimination.
As a result, a group of veteran players established the
Indonesian Badminton Community (KBI) on Saturday to improve the
athletes' welfare once their heyday in the court is over.
"The idea has been around since 1977. The community is not
only a means of communication but also of improving our welfare,"
chairman Tan Joe Hok said on the sidelines of the launching
ceremony for the community at the Susi Susanti Badminton Hall in
Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta.
He revealed that the decision to establish the community was
precipitated by the unpleasant experience of Hendrawan when he
tried to renew his passport before going to Guangzhou, China, to
defend the Thomas Cup in 2002. Tan criticized the immigration
office for demanding that Hendrawan show a Republic of Indonesia
Citizenship Certificate (SBKRI).
"Thankfully, the director general of immigration has issued a
ruling stating that Chinese-Indonesians no longer need SBKRIs to
get passports," he said, adding that the National Land Agency
(BPN) had also issued a similar ruling.
The welfare of players after their retirement was another
topic that would be addressed by the community.
"We hope that through the KBI we will be able to help former
players in need," said Tan. "KBI membership is open to former
players and badminton lovers."
Another badminton veteran, Nyoo Kiem Bie, called on the state
to show gratitude to former shuttlers who had dedicated their
lives to badminton.
"We should receive monthly pensions from the government
because we have given most of our time to the sport. No wonder
young players are now more demanding financially."
The launching ceremony was hosted and funded by Governor
Sutiyoso, with the guests including eight-time All England
champion Rudy Hartono, former world champion Liem Swie King and
1992 Olympic winner Alan Budikusuma.