Indonesian shuttlers trained in endurance for Olympics

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Fri, 03/28/2008 1:39 AM

Indonesian shuttlers are set to take up an intensified training regime focusing on endurance to enhance their chances of winning at the Olympics, according to trainer.

"I can make them faster, stronger, less (prone to) injury and powerful ... to have a better performance later in the Olympics," Jason Kurfurst told The Jakarta Post after a training session at the national training camp in Cipayung, eastern Jakarta, on Thursday.

Kurfurst was hired as a consultant trainer to help the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) prepare the athletes. His arrival was facilitated by the National Sports Council (KONI), who are concerned about Indonesia's badminton medal prospects after the players performed poorly in recent tournaments.

National coach Lius Pongoh said the players had been undergoing tests to determine their weaknesses. The tests have been scheduled to run from Tuesday to Friday.

"The tests are necessary in providing the trainer with a physical record of each player," Lius said.

The endurance training is expected to boost their stamina and minimize injury risk, according to Kurfurst.

PBSI is hopeful the players will improve their performance for the Thomas and Uber Cup, Indonesia will host in May, and the Olympics in Beijing in August.

However, Kurfurst, who is also supervising tennis players, said due to time limitations he would not expect a significant improvement from the players before the Thomas and Uber Cup.

He said the shuttlers were currently at a low level of performance.

Indonesian Felix Aribayu said the training would lead to increased flexibility and agility.

The athletes' performance in prior tournaments gives an initial endurance record, which is necessary to arrange a suitable training program, Felix said.

He said they would have to be careful with the training program to avoid injuries in the future.

Kurfurst said, "The tests are taken to know their strength in cardio, lower and upper body, stomach, back and also the flexibility in the legs and arms, and the strength in each leg."

He said the tests would be able to detect possible injuries.

Some male players, for example Taufik Hidayat, have back injuries, while some female players already have knee injuries, according to Kurfurst.

"Maybe, this could be from an over-training or something that they have not worked out," he said.

Men's double Markis Kido, who is healing from an injury, said Kurfurst should be able to help the team perform better.

"Although I haven't trained with the trainers yet, as I'm just recovering from illness, I think they will help us a lot." The 24-year old shuttler, along with Hendra Setiawan, was beaten in the men's doubles final at the All England early this month.

Markis looks ahead, saying the team will focus on the Thomas and Uber Cup as their first priority before turning to the Olympics.

"I'm confident we will secure a title," he said, picking China as the main threat. (nkn)

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