Indonesia’s head coach Li Mao resigns just before 2012 London Olympics – Badminton Update
Indonesia is certainly in deep trouble as its chief coach Li Mao suddenly quit national coaching setup as the 2012 London Olympics is just two weeks away.
The 52-year-old Chinese badminton guru was under huge pressure as local badminton critics opened fire after shameful Thomas Cup Finals results.
Though, Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) has dismissed all the rumours but several national campaigners admitted that the chief coach bid farewell in a mysterious way.
Now, when national squad was preparing for Olympics under his supervision Li Mao suddenly left central training camp in Cipayung and flew back to China.
Women’s Singles expert Adrianti Firdasari, who is part of the Indonesian squad, told that Li Mao thanked every member of the camp for their support and revealed that he is going back home.
She said, “Li Mao approached every shuttler in the camp and thanked us for cooperation during his stay. He said he was going back to China but did not say whether he’ll be coming back here.”
Men’s Doubles shuttler Bona Septano was the second person who confirmed that their coach has stepped down from his post.
Bona, who teams up Mohammad Ahsan for sixth spot in world rankings, stated that Li Mao showed his intentions several times but he hoped that the national body will bring him back at least for the Olympics preparation.
He explained, “He said that he wanted to quit without elaborating on the reason. However, I heard that PBSI chairman Djoko is still trying to keep him at least until the Olympics.”
However, PBSI vice chairman I Gusti Made Oka claimed that the Chinese maestro will be working as usual.
He briefed that Li Mao has gone back home to visit his father who is on his death bed and will come back in couple of weeks.
Oka said, “Li asked for a leave to visit his father who’s sick and dying in China. I don’t know when exactly he will be coming back, but he’ll be back at the camp before the Olympics start.”
Moreover, he also unveiled that Men’s Singles coach Agus Dwi Santoso will be acting head coach during his absence.
Despite of this explanation, the badminton lovers are not ready to believe the national body and declared that this blow can jeopardise Indonesia’s prospects in London Games.
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