T

he national badminton authority PBSI sees the need to improve the players' psychological condition further ahead of the Sudirman Cup, the team world badminton championship, in Kuala Lumpur next month.

PBSI chairman Gita Wirjawan said that he was concerned about the players' mental shape, particularly given the Axiata Cup last week where Indonesia ended up in fourth place.

'When trailing in points, the players admitted they felt the pressure and were unable to play to the best of their skills. This mental issue should be tackled,' Gita said in a release on the sidelines of his meeting with the players at the Cipayung training camp

Gita was accompanied by his staff members including deputy Fuad Basya, secretary-general Koesdarto Pramono, development chief Rexy Mainaky and media officer Ricky Soebagja.

During the Axiata Cup, the inaugural regional competition, Indonesia was beaten by Malaysia in the semifinals before going down to Asian All Stars in the playoff for third position.

Based on the Axiata performance, PBSI, Gita said, would focus more on shaping up the players' mentality.

'To win the Sudirman Cup, we have to prepare the players' mentality optimally,' he said.

Susy Susanti, former Indonesian star now assisting Gita as staff expert, encouraged her successors to take on the opponents bravely.

Susy steered Indonesia to its first and only success in the Sudirman Cup in 1989.

'When falling behind in points, don't sit back easily. You should by no means be overawed by your opponents. The game is continuing ['¦] don't take it for granted that you are losing,' she said.

After the 1989 triumph, Indonesia reached the final six times but ended up runner up on every occasion.

PBSI has listed 28 players prepared for the next edition of the tournament, which will run from May 19 to 26.

Indonesia, which is seventh in the world ranking, joins Group A with defending champion China
and India.