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outh and Sports Minister Andi Mallarangeng says Indonesia needs to learn from India about sports science and medicine.

“We really hope we can send more coaches [to India] in order to boost their quality. In exchange, Indian players could have some training here,” Andi said at a press conference after meeting with India’s Sports Minister, Ajay Maken, in Jakarta on Wednesday.

“Do not be embarrassed to learn good things from other countries.

“I encourage all Indonesian sports figures to learn more about sports science, sports lecturers to boost their knowledge, and for doctors to study sports medicine in India, which is indeed more advanced,” he said, adding that the two countries’ closeness in historical and geographical background could help ease the cooperation.

In response, Maken said he hoped the exchange could also be applied in the use of sports facilities.

“We have good sports facilities, as well as sports science in education. We welcome all Indonesians to come there to learn,” said Maken, adding that he also encouraged youth of both countries to exchange life experience to learn the historical and cultural backgrounds of each country.

Maken lauded Indonesia’s power in badminton. “Even one of Indonesia’s coaches has succeeded in producing the world number four in women’s singles, Saina Nehwal [of India],” he added.

One of Indonesia’s badminton legends, Atik Jauhari, began coaching Nehwal in August, 2008. Since then, the Indian ace managed to win, among other titles, the Indonesian Super Series 2009, Singapore Super Series 2010 and Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold in March.

Nehwal reached her highest world ranking of number two in December last year.

In exchange for badminton, Maken offered Indonesians to learn more about cricket, boxing and archery on India’s grounds.

“Our facilities [in the aforementioned sports] are open to all Indonesian sports figures.”

Maken said he was scheduled to make stopovers in Yogyakarta and Bandung during his visit to see the two cities’ sporting facilities.