Taufik Hidayat and Lilyana Natsir will miss Sudirman Cup 2011 – Badminton news
Indonesia’s ace shuttlers, Taufik Hidayat and Lilyana Natsir, won't be participating in the Sudirman Cup 2011, which will start from May 22, at Qingdao, China. It was Taufik's own decision not to participate in the event, meanwhile Lilyana will be missing
the tournament due to an injury.
Taufik wants the young shuttlers to be given a chance in the tournament as that will help boost their confidence. For him, giving an opportunity to the young players will be in the best interest of the nation as these shuttlers will lift the flag of the
country at international stage in near future.
“I think this is the right time for the younger generation to have a bigger role in representing our country in major international tournaments,” Taufik said.
The head of the athletes in the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI), Hadi Nasri, said that the governing body respects the decision of Taufik.
Hadi said, “We had an agreement that we would name him to the squad for seeding purposes, while we would let him decide whether to play or not. He decided not to play and we respect his decision.”
Lilyana, who is top shuttler in Indonesia in the category of mixed doubles, will also not be a part of the team in the biggest mixed team event in China, as she is suffering with an elbow injury. She carried the injury during the India Open Super Series
2011, from which she hasn't recovered yet.
Hadi said that the governing body is disappointed, and shocked that the top players are not going to participate in the event, but they have to go ahead with the current players who are capable of delivering good performances.
“Losing those stars is really a big blow to us, but we have to live with that. Now it’s time for other shuttlers to prove their worth by fighting hard for the team in China. We’ll be pleased if they give their all while on the court, no matter what the results
are,” Hadi said.
In the absence of Taufik, who is former World and Olympic Champion, and the World Champion, Lilyana, the Indonesian team will rely on their young guns in the upcoming event.
Tags: