Women shuttlers told to focus on SEA Games
Women shuttlers told to focus on SEA Games
JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI)
has dropped its top women's shuttlers from the national team
bound for the JVC Asian Badminton Championships to be held later
this week in Manila, saying the event could affect their
preparations for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games next month.
"There will be just a one-week break between the Manila event
and the SEA Games, which we believe is not sufficient for our
women's shuttlers to recover," PBSI's training director Christian
Hadinata told reporters on Monday.
"Besides, the SEA Games will use the old 15-point scoring
system instead of the new 7-point system. The old system needs
tougher physical fitness. That's why we have dropped most of our
women's shuttlers from the Manila outing."
The women's shuttlers had earlier participated in at least
three events, including the Indonesian Open, the 2000 World Grand
Prix Final, and the Singapore Open.
Among the players to miss the Asian championships are Lidya
Djaelawidjaya, Yuli Marfuah, Chindana Hartono and juniors Dewi
Tira and Dian Novita Sari. Men's doubles player Endra Mulyajaya
and women's doubles specialists Rossi Riani and Diah Novita have
also been dropped.
PBSI has also withdrawn Indonesian Open winner Ellen Angelina
from the team for the Manila event due to contractual problems.
PBSI has for 15 years signed a collective contract with Japan-
based sports manufacturer Yonex, while Ellen, a former national
shuttler, has just signed a contract with competitor Gosen, also
from Japan. Another former national shuttler, Hariyanto Arbi,
signed with Pro Ace.
"We had no choice but to take Ellen's name from the list. I
hope she can understand the decision for the sake of the
shuttlers who are currently being groomed in the training
center," said Christian.
There are some 70 shuttlers at the Indonesian Badminton Center
(PBI). Based on the contract, Yonex covers most of the center's
operational costs and shuttlers' traveling expenses abroad.
"I can understand Ellen's and Hariyanto's feelings, especially
because I was also a player. But we must give priority to a
greater cause, in this case the center and PBSI," he added.
Christian suggested that PBSI seek ways to avoid a clash of
interests in the future.
"But it's not my cup of tea. I just hope for a solution that
enables the former national shuttlers to continue their careers
without damaging our contract."
Separately, PBSI secretary-general Leo Chandra Wiranata said
PBSI would establish a team to discuss the issue with Yonex.
"One of the options is to set a time limit before a former
national shuttler can sign his or her own contract. I think a
six-month period would be feasible," he said. (nvn)