Hidayat Arena plans to discover new talent

Jakarta: Maverick shuttler Taufik Hidayat has again chosen to go it alone by opting to help fund a new badminton arena in Jakarta after his disillusion at how the sport is run in Indonesia.

Former world and Olympic champion, Hidayat, 28, controversially defected from the Indonesian national team in early 2009 and he plans to use his profile to help find the next generation of talent. “Sports in Indonesia aren’t being supported by the government,” Hidayat told Reuters. “The rewards you get as a young player don’t match the effort you put in.” “I want to be different from other athletes, if not better, and I want to make something good out of my profile and help the younger players have opportunities.” Hidayat said his own private funds would help to pay for the running costs of the eight-court Taufik Hidayat Arena, with building due to start in March.“Rejuvenation of younger players should be the job of the Indonesian Badminton Association,” he said. “But local competitions will help identify new talent. I want to use the arena to hold local competitions.” “It is 6600 metres squared and each metre squared costs 1.5 million rupiah ($161), so you could just imagine the cost.” With the majority of tournaments not being broadcast on free-to-air television in Indonesia, finding sponsorship has been difficult for local players which is why Hidayat has felt the need to step in and help.“The Indonesian brands aren’t interested in sports people, only movie stars, because they can get more exposure in the media,” he said. Hidayat, who has no immediate plans for retirement, said he does not regret his split with the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI). “As with any association, there will always be rows, and you can find people in PBSI that aren’t in tune with my vision. I achieved so many things for PBSI, and I felt burdened by expectations.” Bureau Report