A

fter 13 years of service, which culminated in an Olympic gold medal, shuttler Taufik Hidayat announced Friday his resignation from the national training camp in Jakarta.

The world No. 7 said he had tendered a letter of resignation, effective as of Thursday, to the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI).

"My decision *to resign* is final. It's not an impulse or emotional decision. I've been thinking about quitting the national team since 2004, after I won at the Athens Olympics," he said.

"However, people kept on encouraging me to stay *in the national team*, considering my potential and my youth. Therefore I stayed until 2008."

Despite his explanation, speculation abounds that his latest falling-out with the PBSI hastened his resignation. Earlier this month, Taufik refused to join the training camp after learning that his mentor Mulyo Handoyo was not on the coaching list.

In 2001, Taufik threatened to quit the training camp because of Mulyo's exclusion. He only rejoined the national team after the PBSI agreed to reinstate Mulyo.

In 2004, Taufik made yet another threat to quit, and again backed down from it.

His fiery tantrums aside, Taufik has proven himself one of Indonesia's most successful shuttlers. The pinnacle of his achievements was winning gold in Athens to join the list of Indonesia's few Olympic gold medalists.

He topped the world rankings in 2002 and won gold medals in two Asian Games (South Korea in 2002, and Doha in 2006).

"It's time for younger players to take the baton. I'm giving way to them. It's all about regeneration in Indonesian badminton," he said.

Although he will not join the training camp, Taufik will still play in international tournaments under his own management. A father of one, Natarina Alika Hidayat, Taufik said he hoped his career would now improve, especially in pursuing the elusive All England title.

"This year, I plan to play in at least eight of the 10 Super Series events. Winning the All England and Swiss Super Series will definitely be my short-term goals," he said, adding he would retain Mulyo as his coach.

Taufik also said he planned to enter the World Championships.