Not Targeting A Title At The Indonesia Masters 2021, PBSI: Still Waiting For Evaluation, Athletes Haven't Returned From Europe

General Chairperson of PP PBSI Agung Firman Sampurna (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Central Board of the All-Indonesian Badminton Association (PP PBSI) admits that it has not yet determined the title target of the 2021 BWF Super 750 Indonesia Masters which will take place in Nusa Dua Bali, November 16-21.

According to PP PBSI General Chair Agung Firman Sampurna, the absence of a title target at the Indonesia Masters occurred because the evaluation process for athletes who were still competing in Europe from the Sudirman Cup to the French Open had not been completed.

"For the Indonesia Masters, we have not determined the target because we are still waiting for the results of the evaluation and the condition of a number of PBSI Pelatnas athletes," Agung said, as quoted by Antara, Wednesday.

PBSI pays high attention to the physical condition of its athletes because it will have an impact on Indonesia's targets in the Indonesia Masters.

Before making a final decision, PBSI still requires in-depth observation and waiting for all athletes and coaches to return to Indonesia to conduct an assessment.

"So for now we haven't talked about the target because we are waiting for the evaluation results. Later everything will be collected, while the athletes have not returned from Europe," Agung explained.

Although the evaluation is still ongoing, a number of athletes who are scheduled to participate in the Indonesia Masters have committed to compete to the fullest.

Including Anthony Sinisuka Ginting and Jonatan Christie from the men's singles sector who suffered a waist injury at the Denmark Open, said they were ready to enliven the competition at the Indonesia Badminton Festival (IBF) in Bali.

"All athletes, including Ginting and Jojo, are committed to competing in Bali. We don't want success in terms of organizing, but also success in achievement. Moreover, we have just celebrated the success of the Thomas Cup victory and several European tournaments, this is our encouragement to appear positive," concluded Agung.

IBF 2021 is an international badminton agenda filled with the implementation of three top tournaments, namely the Indonesia Masters on November 16-21 (Super 750), Indonesia Open (Super 1000) November 23-28, and closed with the BWF World Tour Finals 1-5. December.

PP PBSI said that the total prizes to be awarded were the Indonesia Masters of Rp. 8.5 billion, the Indonesia Open of Rp. 12 billion, and the BWF WTF with a total prize of Rp. 21.2 billion.