Taufik Hidayat determined to continue playing despite loss in Indonesia Open – Badminton News
One of Indonesia’s greatest shuttlers, Taufik Hidayat is determined to continue playing badminton despite his loss to Denmark’s Peter Hoeg Gade in the quarter-final of the Indonesia Open Premier Super Series 2011, on Friday, June 23.
Critics believe that Taufik should quit playing competitive badminton as he has grown old and chance should be given to the young shuttlers in the country. However, Taufik responded by saying that he has no plans of retirement as long as he remains capable
of playing at international level.
Taufik has clinched six titles in the Men’s Singles category of the Indonesia Open. However, his hopes of clinching the seventh title came to a premature end as Peter Gade ended his journey in the event at the quarter-final stage. Taufik lost the match in
straight games to Gade with a 21-17 and 21-15 margin.
After the match, Taufik explained, “Gade played very well and his conditioning was great even though he’s already 34 years old. I enjoyed playing against him but then I lost my focus and that was it.”
Taufik further added that he wanted to play more events to gain maximum points for the 2012 Olympic Games.
“After this I will play tournaments in the United States and Canada and then the world championships [in August],” he said.
The World Number 3 further added, “I’m trying to prove to myself that I can still do this. I’m trying to build up my confidence. When I fail to do that, then I will start thinking of retiring.”
Taufik is still passionate about the sport, that has given him so much over the years. He is the only Indonesian in the Top 10 of Men’s Singles world rankings. It is a pity for the Badminton Association of Indonesia that there is no other shuttler who could
put up a good show against the top athletes of the world except Taufik.
Now, Taufik’s major target is to get more and more points to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics, which indicates his will to continue playing competitive badminton for his country.
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