Hariyanto Arbi: I Agree All England To Be Stopped

Indonesian badminton men's doubles Hendra Setiawan / Mohammad Ahsan while trying to train on the main court at Utilita Arena Birmingham (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Former men's singles badminton player Hariyanto Arbi prefers to stop the All England tournament, rather than the busy discourse of boycott next year.

"I don't agree with the boycott for next year, but now the match is stopped, I agree," said the 1993 and 1994 All England champion in a virtual press conference on Friday, reported by Antara.

This, according to Hariyanto, was because several Indonesian players had competed before finally all members of the Indonesian badminton team, both athletes, coaches and officials, were forced to resign due to the COVID-19 health protocol so they could not continue the match.

"Because yesterday several Indonesian players played as well, if those in question have met, it means they are already on the field, it means that everyone has been in contact with other teams. I agree that this match is stopped, but if it is boycotted for next year I do not agree," Hariyanto said.

As someone who has been the All England champion, losing by not competing is a matter of concern. This is because the preparations were so long.

"All England, if you look at its history, from before the Olympics, we badminton players really hope to win a medal at the All England, so the preparation is really maximal, usually morning training can take 6-5 hours, then in the afternoon we can practice again. The 2-3 hours are carried out for one week, and continue until they are approaching departure, "said Hariyanto.

Moreover, in the current pandemic situation, athletes must meet special health requirements. Several athletes, including the men's doubles pair Hendra Setiawan and Mohhammad Ahsan, used their own expenses because they were professional players.

"PBSI and Kemenpora can at least ease the burden on Ahsan and Hendra, they are in quarantine there so the costs are getting swollen, maybe from PBSI or Kemenpora it can ease the costs that have been incurred by Ahsan and Hendra," said Hariyanto.

Apart from that, according to Hariyanto, the incident in All England is hoped to be a lesson for all parties, including the organizers of the World Badminton Federation (BWF), reflecting on the holding of the Thailand Open 2021 which went well with the previous quarantine.

Hariyanto also continues to support fellow athletes to keep their enthusiasm for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics which will take place on 23 July - 8 August.

"I am with all of you. Stay enthusiastic, because maybe this is a test, and in the near future there will be Olympics in July and August. Hopefully the Olympics will also keep on going, because this incident is really sad and very unpleasant, but enthusiasm. continue to be maintained, because the Olympic gold medal is in sight, "said Hariyanto.

In fact, as a form of support for the Indonesian badminton team, Hariyanto intends to play together after returning from Birmingham, England.

"After returning home, we have a plan to play together to support them to practice even harder to win medals at the Olympics," said Hariyanto.

"Everyone must support our team, both PBSI and the community, to quickly restore the mental condition of our dropping athletes," he added.