Veteran shuttlers set up badminton community
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.