Indonesian women's shuttler Maria Kristin hopes to get back onto the radar by qualifying at the women's singles badminton event at the Beijing's Olympic Games.
However, qualifying alone will not be enough for the shuttlers, the Jakarta post reported?in Jakarta on?Friday.
"I told Maria she should keep in mind to grab a medal in Beijing," coach Hendrawan said.
Indonesia won the women's singles gold medal in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, thanks to living legend Susy Susanti.
In 1996, Mia Audina, who later switched her citizenship to the Netherlands, grabbed the silver. She went on to win a silver for her new country in 2004.
Since then, the national women's shuttlers have yet to excel at international level.
Team manager Lius Pongoh said Maria would stay out of the national squad during Friday's opening ceremony, as she would compete on Saturday. She will meet Julianne Schenk of Germany in the opening round. Maria is upbeat about her prospects.
Head coach Christian Hadinata said the national shuttlers would be ready for the challenge. However, Indonesia is basing its medal hopes on the doubles.
The pairing of Nova Widiyanto and Lilyana Natsir, and of Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan are tipped to liven up their status as top seeds in the mixed and men's doubles respectively.
"Our preparations have been good and the athletes are in good shape. They have already tried the courts and they'll be ready for the big day," said Hadinata.
Among the country's 11 shuttlers is men's singles defending champion Taufik Hidayat, who just recovered from dengue fever. Although he is only the seventh seed here, the 26-year-old will be ready to have a shot at the gold, once again.
"I'm in good condition. I'll be ready for the match," he said.
(Xinhua News Agency August 8, 2008)