Taufik Hidayat explodes after crashing out of Thomas Cup Finals – Badminton News
Indonesian maestro Taufik Hidayat could not control his emotions after ending the Thomas Cup marathon in quarter-final round as he criticised his team-mates along with All-Indonesia Badminton Association (PBSI).
Indonesia, who had a splendid history of playing every Thomas Cup semi-final, crashed out of prestigious team event after losing 2-3 to Japan.
Former World and Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat could not rise to the occasion along with his compatriot Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka while third and final blow was failure of Men’s Doubles team Markis Kido-Hendra Setiawan.
The World Number nine Singles shuttler Simon Santoso and the twosome of Mohammad Ahsan-Alvent Yulianto Chandra saved the country’s honour to some extent by winning their matches.
Taufik, who was playing his last Thomas Cup, praised Simon Santoso by declaring him next hope of country but in same breath he opened fire on PBSI for not polishing raw talent. He asserted that national body should discover quality players.
He said, “When I call it quits, Indonesia will have to bank on Simon Santoso but where are the others. Hayom couldn’t even handle the pressure. PBSI have to work harder to widen the pool and find quality players.”
Taufik was distressed over lack of commitment among the national shuttlers and he criticised Olympic champions Markis and Hendra for their indifferent attitude as they could not even qualify for London Olympics this year.
He said, “It all goes back to commitment and I see it lacking over the years. Markis-Hendra missed out qualification for the London Games. They could have made it if only they had competed in the Australia Open. Where is their commitment?”
Moreover, the 30-year old shuttler did not spare even Badminton World Federation as he emphasised that BWF should take some serious actions to save true spirit of the game and should tighten their rules as countries like China always find loopholes to manipulate.
The Indonesian ace owns a badminton academy in Jakarta and he is planning to start coaching youngsters after bidding farewell to the arena.
Taufik gave indications that he will introduce a 5-10-year programme to nourish young talent for better badminton future of the country.
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