Indonesia struggling to nurture another
world champion
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[March 06, 2015]
By Rod Gilmour
BIRMINGHAM, March 6 (Reuters) - The thought
of watching "so-so" Indonesian singles players doesn't sit well with
Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat.
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In a year when Jakarta stages the world championships for the
first time since 1989, Taufik remains Indonesia's last singles world
champion in 2005.
The men's team has found itself in an unstable position following
the decision by three of its four top 40 players to leave the
national set-up.
With Olympic qualification due to start on May 1, the Indonesian
Badminton Association (PBSI) also has a decision to make on
selection criteria ahead of Rio 2016.
World number 11 Tommy Sugiarto is the brightest prospect, but he
left the national program for the second time in January after
failing to find the right balance of coaches.
Ricky Subagja, an Olympic doubles' champion and the PBSI’s team
manager at the All-England Championships this week, said that there
were now eight junior players in the national team and prospects
were bright.
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"The PBSI are concerned for the players in the national team and we
will have to look at the process (for Olympic qualification)," he
told Reuters.
"We are really preparing for the Tokyo 2020 Games."
Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka, Indonesia’s number two, beat a flu-ridden
Sugiarto in an all-Indonesian first round clash at the All-England
this week, but he is another who has opted to train away from the
national program.
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"We still have several years to find the next Taufik," admitted
Dionysius.
"We can't expect it as we aren't in the national team, so maybe the
juniors are the best place. If people think that I am the next
Taufik, then it will be hard for me."
At least Dionysius, the world number 23, admits that the lions' den
atmosphere at Jakarta's iconic Istora Senayan Stadium will suit him
when the world championships are held in August.
"It makes me feel spiritual to play in front of a home crowd. Some
find the pressure too much, but I am really confident."
It is a quality that Taufik, who retired in 2013, is searching for
in a player.
"I want to watch a good quick player who is something special," the
2005 world champion said.
(Editing by Patrick Johnston)
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