Taufik Hidayat ensures his services but insists PBSI to field juniors in Thomas Cup Finals
Taufik Hidayat, the most renowned shuttler in Indonesia at the moment, is ready to serve his country in Thomas Cup Finals but wants Indonesian Badminton Federation (PBSI) to field young players in order to give them exposure of playing in this prestigious
team-event championship, which will take place in China, in May.
The Former Olympic and World Champion and current World Number 11 Taufik has been serving the nation for almost fifteen years and now represents Indonesia in international tournaments as an independent player.
Taufik said that he will be available for Indonesia in Thomas Cup Finals but he wants the governing body should send young shuttlers to China in order to elevate their skills.
He is also optimistic that there are many shuttlers in Men’s Singles category in Indonesia who are capable enough to become his true successors after his retirement.
The ongoing Axiata Cup has introduced the true potential of Indonesia as many young players got a chance to prove their worth.
While talking about his participation in the Thomas Cup, Taufik said that he will definitely go and fight and win glory in this prestigious tournament.
He said, “If asked, I will never say no to the Thomas Cup. However, I hope the coaches will select the younger players for this year’s campaign.”
He also said that tournaments like Axiata Cup should be held with regular intervals and they should be promoted on a large scale as it will make the sport popular and more and more people will get involved in badminton.
He said, “The Axiata Cup has helped us with our preparations for the Thomas Cup and I reckon we will be more united form now on. If possible, I would like this tournament to be held every three months! It is a good event, but needs more publicity.”
Taufik, currently busy in playing Axiata Cup, is expected to retire from competitive badminton this year and most probably 2012 London Olympics will be his last tournament.
He won a gold medal at Athens Olympics and is expected to display his impressive craft again at the upcoming mega event.
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