Measures sought to revive glory

Against the backdrop of deteriorating global achievements by Indonesian badminton players over the past decade, a public forum will be held on Thursday to discuss the roots of the decline, and  formulate solutions.

The event, dubbed “Bringing back the glory of Indonesian badminton”, will be organized by Tarumanagara University and feature experts and officials from relevant sport associations.

“We are very concerned with the downward trend of our badminton achievements,” dean of the Tarumanagara University Monty P. Satiadarma, who also chairman of the Indonesian Sports Psychology Association, told a media conference.

Indonesia has long been a badminton powerhouse in the world, producing world-class players feared by rivals.

However, signs of decline are now apparent.

At the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, Indonesia brought home two gold, two silver and one bronze medals in badminton. The country has, however, failed to win more than one gold medal in an Olympic Games ever since.

The rot is apparent at other noted international events, the first and the last time Indonesia won Sudirman Cup was in 1989, while the Uber Cup was last brought home in 1996 and the Thomas Cup in 2002.

The country’s current top singles shuttlers have failed to follow in Susy Susanti’s glory in 1994, or emulated Hariyanto Arbi’s 1996 triumph when they each won the All-England Championship.

Mixed doubles pair Christian Hadinata/Imelda Wiguna won All England in 1979, women’s doubles Finarsih/Lili Tampi in 1996, while men’s doubles Sigit Budiarto/Chandra Wijaya in 2003.

“The lack of motivation and self-confidence are the reasons mostly blamed for our shuttlers’ losses [in international events],” said Monty.

The one-day discussion will mainly explore athletes’ physical, psychological and management issues in the development of badminton, which once was, and probably still is, the country’s favorite sport.  

Despite agreeing that there are many factors that contribute to the sport’s declining achievements, former national shuttler Ivana Lie, who is now a consultant for the Sports Ministry, highlighted the athletes’ mentality as a crucial factor in determining failure or success.

“I remember late national badminton coach Tahir Djide once told me that many shuttlers nowadays complain about the heavy workloads. They make many excuses [to avoid training program] compared to their seniors,” said Ivana.  

“We hope the meeting can contribute applicable suggestions for the development of badminton in the country,” said Monty, adding that after the discussion, the university was also willing to provide doctors, psychologists, and management experts to assist the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI).

PBSI secretary general Jacob Rusdianto, said PBSI would welcome any suggestions and criticisms.

“However, we cannot guarantee the instant result of being able to win the Thomas and Uber Cups,” said Jacob, referring to the next Thomas and Uber Cup tournaments on May 9-16 in Malaysia, with a qualifying round scheduled for Feb. 21-28 in Thailand.