Ex-Indonesian star Rexy asks fans not to question patriotism

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Thu, 05/15/2008 12:35 PM  |  Sports

Rexy Mainaky, the former Indonesian badminton star now coaching rival Malaysia, has pleaded for Indonesians (read: a group of crazy Indonesians) not to question his patriotism.

He said he didn't mind hearing the public's accusations that he had betrayed Indonesia by coaching Malaysia at the Thomas and Uber Cup competitions.

"The fact is, I carry the name of my country even though I coach Malaysia. People will ask where I come from if Malaysia performs well," he said.

But his plea fell on deaf ears of spectators inside Bung Karno Sports Hall, from whom he had to withstand shouts of "traitor" and "How much are you paid?"

Some fans cheered on Japanese players against Malaysia in the quarterfinals of the Thomas Cup. Malaysia won the tie 3-0 to advance to the semifinals.

Before the tournament Rexy said he had anticipated such a response, but that it was undeserved.

"People only remember my country (of origin) and not my own name. That's enough to prove my patriotism," he said while observing his team train recently at the competition.

He said Malaysia had a balanced team of players competing both in the Thomas and Uber divisions.

"We are hopeful of being the best teams in the tournament," said the 40-year-old.

With Ricky Subagja, who is also involved in the competition as a TV commentator, Rexy gained worldwide recognition with several phenomenal wins, an Olympic gold being the pair's peak achievement. A year earlier, they won the world championship, adding to their back-to-back All England trophies in 1995 and 1996.

In the Thomas Cup, the world's most prestigious team badminton championship, the pair contributed in four of five consecutive victories made by Indonesia between 1994 and 2002. The 1994 victory was made in front of home fans at the Senayan Sports Hall, now renamed Bung Karno Sports Hall.

After resigning from the national team in 2000, Rexy looked outside and started his coaching career with England before moving to Malaysia five years later.

Rexy is returning home to the same playing scene hoping to seize victory once again, but not with the side he supported in the past. (ewd)

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