JAKARTA - Indonesia's mixed doubles badminton coach, Nova Widianto, was disappointed with the performance of Praveen Jordan/Melati Daeva Oktavianti, which ended in defeat in the first round. He said the second game did not reflect the spirit of nationalism.
"Yesterday we all saw what the game was like, there was no fighting spirit. There was no sense of responsibility to play for Indonesia. It seems there is no pride, I don't know what they think," Nova said addressing her students at a press conference in Nusa Dua, Bali, Thursday. .
Nova made this firm statement after the world number five mixed doubles was eliminated in the first round, defeated by the Indian pair Dhruv Kapila/Reddy N. Sikki in two straight games 11-21, 20-22.
Praveen/Melati did not show solidarity in their game and were forced to give up by the unseeded pair. Both Praveen and Melati always admit that their game is fine and always dismiss the negative feedback about their communication which has recently been in the public spotlight.
However, according to coach Nova, Praveen and Melati have personal problems that have fatally affected their performance as national badminton players.
The 44-year-old coach is reluctant to explain in detail what problems Praveen / Melati are experiencing, but he thinks it should be resolved by both players quickly.
In response to this, coach Nova admitted that Praveen/Melati played without displaying the fighting power that elite world players should display.
For him, the reason for problematic communication has become a boring excuse and shouldn't be a major problem in performance on the field.
As athletes who are ranked in the top five in the world, obstacles like this should be overcome by both players, let alone being carried away into the field and tarnishing the record of achievement that has been built with hard work.
"Yesterday's opponents were two levels below them, but they seemed to have no will even though they were playing at home. There should have been a will to win and have fighting power," said Nova.
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