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China Pulls Back Players From Indonesian Badminton Open
China has withdrawn all of its shuttlers from the five-star Indonesia Open which is scheduled to take place from July 25 through 29, for fear of unfavorable security situation in Jakarta.
"The Chinese Badminton Association (CBA) has decided to pull back all its players, following the Chinese government's policy to prohibit its citizens to travel to Indonesia amid unfavorable security and political conditions," Secretary General of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) Leo Ch. Wiranata was quoted by the Antara News Agency Sunday as saying.
Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) has moved up the date of its special session, from August 1 to July 21. The session requires President Abdurrahman Wahid to deliver his accountability speech on July 23 but the president has voiced his rejection to do so.
Leo said his association regretted the decision, adding that PBSI had contacted the CBA for explanations as well as offering additional facilities for the Chinese team.
"I have explained to them that Jakarta is secure. We have even offered them free-of-charge board and lodging to all Chinese players. But it seems that it is difficult for them to change their decision," he said.
The PBSI had previously offered six hotel rooms, but the association later decided to provide 20 rooms for the 20-member China's delegation.
It is the sixth time China cancels the participation of its delegation in Indonesia Open after those in 1978, 1979, 1997, 1998 and 1999.
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