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India out of Asia Cup
May 01, 2001 - Source : IBF
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The Asian Badminton Confederation (ABC) is reported to have withdrawn its invitation to the Indian team which was due to play in the coveted Asia Cup, starting this week in Singapore.
Following the withdrawal of two top Indian players – All England champion Pullela Gopichand and Abhinn Shyam Gupta – ABC secretary general Datuk Punch Gunalan said that the team’s invitation has been withdrawn in consideration of "the negative impact this would have had on the tournament."
Thailand are to step in, and will play in Group B alongside Malaysia, China and Japan. Holders and favourites Indonesia have been drawn in Group A with hosts Singapore, Korea and Hong Kong.
Badminton Association of India secretary, S S Mani, said that Gopi was preparing for the forthcoming World Championships in Seville, whereas Gupta had expressed a wish to not participate after suffering a bereavement in his family.
The Asia Cup is a men’s team invitational team event (two singles, one doubles) and will run from 2-6 May. ;;An uncertain future for Indonesian number one;2;IBF; ; ;01/05/2001 : Taufik Hidayat has given his strongest hint that all is still not well after the row surrounding his coach, and has not ruled out playing for another country after the World Championships in Seville next month. ;01/05/2001 : Taufik Hidayat has given his strongest hint that all is still not well after the row surrounding his coach, and has not ruled out playing for another country after the World Championships in Seville next month.
Looking unsettled at an Asia Cup press conference yesterday, the 19-year-old hinted that if the Badminton Association of Indonesia decided to end coach Mulyo Handoyo''s contract after Seville - as was attempted three months ago - he may leave the national team as well.
The reigning Asian Champion said: "No-one knows me as well as he does. If he leaves and my back is up against the wall, I will consider leaving, much as I love playing for my country."
But for now, Hidayat is determined to put on a good show at the Asia Cup - which kicks off tomorrow at Singapore''s National Indoor Stadium - not only to help Indonesia win a hat-trick of crowns, but also to prepare both physically and mentally for the Sudirman Cup and World Championships.
Olympic silver medallist Hendrawan, and former world champions Candra Wijaya and Sigit Budiarto complete the Indonesian Asia Cup line-up. |
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Other news:
» Hafiz to take three-week break
» Memories of… the 2002 Thomas and Uber Cup Finals
» Gopi to lead India in Commonwealth Games
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