Veterans backbone of RI's badminton team
Veterans backbone of RI's badminton team
JAKARTA (JP): There were no surprises yesterday when Indonesia
named veterans to spearhead its teams for the Thomas Cup and Uber
Cup finals from May 15 to May 24 in Hong Kong.
With the country's new generation of players still unable to
impress, the Badminton Association of Indonesia had no choice but
to recall the likes of Hariyanto Arbi, Joko Suprianto and Susi
Susanti who, despite their illustrious experience, are clearly in
the twilight of their careers.
And as if to add insult to injury, former world men's singles
champion Hariyanto will depart for Hong Kong under the watchful
eyes of the team doctors. The world No. 7 has just left hospital
after receiving treatment for a low potassium level, which caused
him extreme exhaustion.
Association deputy chairman Agus Wirahadikusumah said on
announcing the team lineup that Hariyanto was ready to play and
there was nothing to worry about.
"We have asked a hospital in Hong Kong to undertake medical
checks on Hariyanto as soon as he finishes every game," said
Agus, also the team manager.
"Sickness and exhaustion after months of intensive exercise
are normal," he added.
He said his squad would be at its best form for the
championships. But to anticipate injuries, the national team is
taking masseurs, physiotherapists and medicine.
The 1993 world champion Joko will serve as the reserve singles
due to his career ranking of only 26, the worst among those
selected, which also include juniors Hendrawan, Indra Wijaya and
Marlev Mainaky.
In the men's doubles, Indonesia will bank on world champions
Sigit Budiarto and Chandra Wijaya and Olympic gold medalists Rexy
Mainaky and Ricky Subagja. Tony Gunawan was named the reserve.
Agus defended the inclusion of Joko who at 31 years old is the
oldest player in the team.
"The lineup is the result of a long selection process since
January. We picked them not only on their world rankings, but
their great experience in team events, personality and
discipline," Agus said.
Agus said that Joko had played effectively and shown strong
discipline during practice.
In the women's competition, Indonesia's Barcelona Olympics
gold medalist Susi will again team up with Atlanta Olympics
silver medalist Mia Audina. The remaining three singles places
went to newcomers.
Agus also said the association had offered cash rewards
totaling Rp 1.5 billion (US$187,500) for the players if they
manage to retain both the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup. The rewards
will be less if only one cup is retained.
The teams will pay a courtesy call on President Soeharto prior
to their departure on May 11. (emf)