Asian Games: Indonesia targeting minimum four golds at Asian Games
Indonesia has set a modest target of 4 gold medals at the 15th Asian Games in Doha.
A limited budget means the former southeast asian powerhouse has had to cut back on expectations.
For a country who once dominated Southeast Asia’s sporting scene - Indonesia’s small contingent reflects the country’s struggling economy.
With just US$5m to spare, the region’s largest country has set a modest target of 4 gold medals — the same achievement as the last Asian Games in Busan.
Indonesia’s Chef de Mission concedes it is a realistic target.
“4 is a critical benchmark. Nothing below that. We hope we can do better. So, if we are being conservative and pessimistic, it would be 4; optimistically, may be 8,” said Achmad Sutjipto.
Badminton - once a sure bet to bring home gold for Indonesia - is no more a certainty, as China now rules the court.
However, recent international tournaments have given Indonesia hope.
Indonesia’s shuttlers are expected to deliver at least 2 out of the 4 gold medals target.
With Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat failing to deliver in recent tournaments, Indonesia’s medal prospect now rests on the shoulders of their mixed and men’s doubles. Both pairs came out tops in the recent China Open.
Men’s doubles pair Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan are putting extra effort to prove that their back-to-back victory over the World’s top seed from China is no flash in the pan.
“Our condition for the past 3 months has been good. Our performance is improving. We were champions twice. Hopefully we can continue to do well,” said Markis Kido.
Indonesia is also putting its hopes on mixed doubles pair of Nova Widianto and Lilyiana Natsir.
The former world champions showed they are back to their best by winning their last two international tournaments - defeating current world champions China.
Besides bringing home gold, Indonesia’s is also using this Asian Games to prepare for upcoming international tournaments.
“This Asian Games will be a barometer for Indonesia’s chances in the Sudirman Cup in 2007, and in 2008 where we will compete in the Thomas Cup and the Beijing Olympics,” said Christian Hadinata, National Coach, Indonesia.
Indonesia’s shuttlers look set to smash their way to victory in Doha and bring back the country’s glory days of Badminton supremacy. - CNA /dt