Indonesian Badminton Federation: striving to compete against China and Malaysia
In Asia there are three arch rivals in the court of badminton who often try to maintain superiority over one another. Indonesia is one of those giants of badminton who often gives a tough time to the ruling elites such as China and
Malaysia. It can also be observed from the results of the international tournaments where Indonesia wins at least one Gold medal in the Olympics or other badminton tournaments held worldwide.
The Indonesian Badminton Federation was established in 1951 and has been playing a vital role in the development of badminton in the country. The Federation is responsible for all the achievements and prestige Indonesia has earned
in the field of badminton over the past few years.
In the beginning, the badminton players of Indonesia living in remote areas were unable to enjoy training and practice opportunities like the Chinese players. However, with the regular management of the national events in Indonesia,
it became easy for the players to brighten the name of Indonesia at the national and international badminton events. The Federation worked hard with the junior players to bring up their level of play to international standards, as their training development
took already talented players and refined their techniques.
Previously, both the private and the government sector were unaware about the basic necessities of badminton players. Both sectors began to pick future players from areas that did not have proper badminton facilities and prepared them to represent Indonesia
internationally, through their established training centres. These national training centers provide coaching and training facilities to amateurs as well as experienced players. While the private training centers only train the young players to be the future
of Indonesia, the Federation maintains its’ institutions to help groom the players to face any player on the court. The major focus of the institutions and clubs is on the Uber Cup, Sudirman Cup and Thomas Cup.
Taufik Hidayat, who is currently the world number two player, is shining in the world of badminton in the name of Indonesia. He is on his way to tremendous success and seems to be unstoppable. Some other players who have made Indonesia proud are Hartono
Rudi, King Liem Swie and Susi Susani. These players serve as great role models for the youth in Indonesia. The fame and fortune associated with these top players is usually enough to attract a new generation of players onto the badminton courts of the country.
The Federation commenced the Sudirman Cup in 1989, as a World Cup for mixed team badminton events. Mr. Sudirman was also among the great players of his time, who after retirement helped in the improvement of badminton in the country. His 22 years services
to Indonesia’s badminton development led to the cup being named after him.
Recently, Indonesia has hired the services of mature and talented coaches from around the world to come and train their players. The Indonesian government and the Federation are taking steps for the promotion of badminton in the country through effective
programs of development and international support. The support and encouragement of the government is creating a professional and competitive badminton environment within the country, as many top international officials and trainers are looking at Indonesia
as the future of the sport.
Only time will tell if the positive steps taken by the Federation will put Indonesia ahead of countries like Malaysia and China in badminton. The Federation is already preparing the next generation of exciting players, which are all set to hit the international
scene and bring Indonesia’s badminton development into the spot-light.
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