The Badminton Legend from Kaliasin

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

The eight-time All England champion record he heldwith seven successive victorieshas not yet been broken to date. He completed his titles by emerging as world champion and winning the Thomas Cup men's team championships several times. Rudy Hartono was indeed an unequaled maestro and legend of badminton. For years, he brought Indonesia fame and repute in international competitions.

Born Nio Hap Liang in Surabaya on August 18, 1949, Rudy was brought up in a family that was keen on education and achievements. The education was reflected in his attitude in the field: persevering and strongly determined to win. On two occasions, Rudy related his ups and downs as a badminton player, coach, and executive to Cheta Nilawaty and Yandi M. Rofiyandi from Tempo.

. tempo : 178039570171.

I KNEW badminton at the age of 8 through my father, Zulkarnaen Kurniawan. At the time he owned Surya Naga Badminton Association or Club in Surabaya. In the beginning, I never thought of becoming a professional athletelet alone a world champion. But my father used to emphasize, if I wished to be a world champion I would have to train hard.

Father always stressed discipline. Every day I had to wake up at dawn for a morning run. As I didn't dare to ru

...