Olympic And World Champion Taufik To Retire After The 2008 Olympics

[ants]

This is a real shocker guys!

The only player with the honour of capturing the Olympic and World Championship gold medals in the men's singles, wants to end his illustrious career another gold-medal performance in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

"I hope to retire with a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics," said the 25-year-old Taufik.

"I have state my intentions to quit the national team to my coaches and they have given me the go ahead.

"Indonesia will not miss me as there are several talents who can fight on. Sony Dwi Kuncoro, Simon Santoso and Markus Wijanu have great potential. Although, the trio have not been performing well lately, I feel they will be at their prime in another three years."

Taufik's proudest moment was winning the 2004 Athens Olympics gold beating South Korean Shon Seung Mo in the final.

This feat was followed by his thumping victory in the world championships in Anaheim, California last year where overwhelmed the entire field with the kind of domination never witnessed in the major event before.

Taufik's meteoric rise began in 1997 where he started showcasing his immense talent at the world stage at a tender age of 16.

Under long time coach Muljo Handojo, Taufik was the most exciting young player on the International Badminton Federation (IBF) grand prix circuit and proved his potential by reaching consecutive All-England finals in 1999 and 2000.

Fame had the telling effect on Taufik as he attracted controversy by opting to play in Singapore for a brief period in 2000 and also regularly hampered by knee and back injuries during the period.

However, his off-court antics did not stop him from becoming Indonesia's most successful singles shuttler since the legendary Rudy Hartono as he went on winning every major title on offer.

Five Indonesian Open titles, the 2002 Busan Asian Games gold, The Asian Badminton Championships titles in 2000 and 2004, the 1999 Sea Games gold and numerous other grand prix titles were enough convince the fans that Taufik is indeed the King of Kings in his era.

There is only one title beckons for Taufik though. Despite his success, he has never won the All-England title and it is likely to be achieved before he retires.

Feated as a national hero back home, Taufik has also gained the reputation of speaking his mind even if it lands home in unwarranted problems.

Taufik almost retired due to his never-ending dispute with PBSI in 2003 but only changed his mind after his request to have Handojo, who was then a coach with the Singapore national team, back to guide him for the Olympics was granted by the national body.

That has always been Taufik's charismatic nature but make no mistakes when it comes to his passion for badminton and winning international honours for Indonesia.

Ants

[Kuan Ye]

Ants, where u got the news? Omg!!! This news really shocked me..Dunno how to express my feelings now. Feel like crying :( Cant see him play badminton anymore...

[thiery]

Lin Dan must be happy to know the news. Just kidding!

[black_knight006]

Lin Dan must be happy to know the news. Just kidding!

Why are you kidding? If I was Lin Dan I would be ridiculously happy knowing that one of the best players in the world is not standing in my way. Taufik is one of the few players in the world right now that can stand in Lin Dan's way. He should go down in the books as one of the greatest badminton players of the last 50 years.

[GunBlade008]

Sad news indeed. Oh well, 2 years to cherish Taufik's play!

[EastDevil]

Why are you kidding? If I was Lin Dan I would be ridiculously happy knowing that one of the best players in the world is not standing in my way. Taufik is one of the few players in the world right now that can stand in Lin Dan's way. He should go down in the books as one of the greatest badminton players of the last 50 years.

I don't think Lin Dan is even bothered to be concerned about Taufik. Judging from Taufik's latest spar with Lin Dan and the very obvious decline in Taufik's game, Taufik is more or less finished.

[newjazz]

I don't think Lin Dan is even bothered to be concerned about Taufik. Judging from Taufik's latest spar with Lin Dan and the very obvious decline in Taufik's game, Taufik is more or less finished.

i think it's too early to say TH is finished. He just back from injury, remember?
anyway, I dont want to start another argument thread again... :D

[ctjcad]

Hmm, interesting news, but there was a similar news mentioned on BC, just a while ago on this.
Anyways, personally, it's not really a surprise to me. Every player(s) will have it's dawn day. Especially considering he has basically won "everything" that is there to take as an IBF player. Also, considering he's already married, and life after marriage is much different..
True, he doesn't have the All-England title yet, but i'm sure he will be working very hard to get that one before he retires, even if he has to go through using the new scoring system. Perhaps next yr. he will try to bring the Sudirman Cup again back home(despite having to face CHN's powerful squad). And in 2 yrs. time, i'm sure he will try to bring back the Thomas Cup before he retires "for good"...:rolleyes: :p

One thing is for sure, despite his weaknesses or sometimes negative persona, we(the current generation of fans) are very fortunate. As we're one of a selected few that is able to see and enjoy a player like Taufik, arguably amongst the best in badminton history, playing before our own eyes. Truly fortunate and we should just enjoy his last yrs. of playing professionally...:) :cool:

[kemana]

Not a big surprise to me,i was worrying he will retire after he got married.
now i know it will be not untill the OG 2008,kind of a relief..

[CLELY]

This is not a really shocker-news from TH because he has corfirmed implicitly to INA's press before.I think TH close his 'book' very wisely. He has got everything in his badminton career except AE (until now).If he has reached AE title next year, his achievement is perfectto!TH's name will be including in world bdm-legend and extending INA's bdm glorious after Rudy Hartono 'the maestro' (1st MS who being 8x AE-winner) and Susi Susanti (1st WS who become OGold Medalist + WChamp in consecutive years).TH has a chance to do it! Anyone else from outside INA's shuttlers to make the next record??It's questionable and still waiting...

[Baderz_Jas]

This is not that shocking :eek: :D LOL! Since he will be 27 or 28, and that's starting to get old. :p (in badminton career :D :p )

[Syaoran_Style]

... woowww such a bad news .. heyy taufik can't you wait until OG 2012 ?!
you'll be only 30,31 y.o ...
I'll always be impressed by his career .. be number 1 seed at the OG when he was 19 y.o, beating the best player at 16 ... Taufik god gave you such a great gift ^^

[phaarix]

I will be sad to see him go, but everyone retires sometime... Hope he achieves what he sets out for, good luck to him in the All England! Actually despite the rivalry between them, I think Lin Dan may just miss Taufik. He always stretches Lin to his absolute best and I personally think he will miss Taufik for that. That of course isn't to say there aren't other people who can do the same. Personally I enjoy having a rival (a friendly rival which I do have :), who just happens to also be my doubles partner!), and I wouldn't be surprised if the same applies to Lin Dan.

Anyway I really hope he changes his mind :D. There's always time to change your mind. Perhaps if he doesn't win AE by then he will keep playing :). But I guess that's just wishful thinking. Anyway all the best to you Taufik!

[yy_ling]

maybe he wins all england then quit, come to think of it, i think its likely, you see he did not play the korea open, maybe he is preparing to win all england, but he is definitely good, just that he doesnt wanna tell others he is

[OneToughBirdie]

Hmm, interesting news, but there was a similar news mentioned on BC, just a while ago on this.
Anyways, personally, it's not really a surprise to me. Every player(s) will have it's dawn day. Especially considering he has basically won "everything" that is there to take as an IBF player. Also, considering he's already married, and life after marriage is much different..
True, he doesn't have the All-England title yet, but i'm sure he will be working very hard to get that one before he retires, even if he has to go through using the new scoring system. Perhaps next yr. he will try to bring the Sudirman Cup again back home(despite having to face CHN's powerful squad). And in 2 yrs. time, i'm sure he will try to bring back the Thomas Cup before he retires "for good"...:rolleyes: :p

One thing is for sure, despite his weaknesses or sometimes negative persona, we(the current generation of fans) are very fortunate. As we're one of a selected few that is able to see and enjoy a player like Taufik, arguably amongst the best in badminton history, playing before our own eyes. Truly fortunate and we should just enjoy his last yrs. of playing professionally...:) :cool:
Well said indeed...just start a thread on TH spark tremendous discussions among fans...just wonder the time when TH retires and nobody can really challenge the might of CHN...looking at pictures of 07KO with rows of empty seats in SF, raises concern badminton fast becoming a regional sport...and without inter-nation rivalry and dominated by all CHN squad is not health for the sport.

[kimpe_bultang]

... woowww such a bad news .. heyy taufik can't you wait until OG 2012 ?!
you'll be only 30,31 y.o ...
I'll always be impressed by his career .. be number 1 seed at the OG when he was 19 y.o, beating the best player at 16 ... Taufik god gave you such a great gift ^^

I agree with you!! Such a shame that he's retiring, but, anyway... He also has shown great matches.. Of course, at the same time, he should mind his attitude.. Even one of the reasons Ko Candra Wijaya's quitting PBSI was bcs of this, discipline, of course the discipline of PBSI counts too.. But, Taufik should at least changed his attitude.. It is quite annoying to see when that time he walked out Lin Dan bcs of the line judge's decision.. He should learn how to take it, and show that line judge that he won't lose despite him taking Lin Dan's side...:)

[westwood_13]

ZOUNDS!!!!!

Crazy. I shall spread the word and it shall ignite like fire through our local badminton community. Or, it would if more than three people had heard of Taufik.

[bananaboy]

If I were in Lin Dan's situation, I would find this quite disappointing as when you know one of your biggest(if not the biggest) rival will retire soon. It sucks when there is nobody that can give you a big challenge any more, because there is no point of getting even better yourself...:crying:

[cooler]

If I were in Lin Dan's situation, I would find this quite disappointing as when you know one of your biggest(if not the biggest) rival will retire soon. It sucks when there is nobody that can give you a big challenge any more, because there is no point of getting even better yourself...:crying:
yes, i was talking with some badminton buddies last nite.
When TH, PG, KJ retires, we would lose 2 powerhouse countries in tournament representation. I dun think this is too good for badminton in general, especially in the eyes of IOC.

[Joyous]

Quote & unquote LD's statement during the recent MO in KL - "I relish in meeting TH as it brings our game to a higher level". That basically should be one of the attributes of the attitude of a accomplished player - the positiveness in facing challenges. Should any of these players retire earlier than expected, we will all miss them.

[bic33]

i would love to see a match where the condition of both Th and LD are perfect... so far, when they meet, either one of them isn't in perfect condition... i would definitely like to see a perfect match..

[blessing]

haha.. to me.. i feel dat taufik will strikes in major tournaments eg..asian..olympics..world champ.. while lindan took more open titles..

[OneToughBirdie]

i would love to see a match where the condition of both Th and LD are perfect... so far, when they meet, either one of them isn't in perfect condition... i would definitely like to see a perfect match..
Except for Sudirman 05, where TH/LD played okay, most times when they meet, for e.g. WC05 was kind of disappointing, LD played badly in the final while TH played a great game, therefore I concur with you. As fans, we want to watch great badminton games regardless of which country they represent, especially if we have to pay to fly/room/board/and pay to watch the games.

[Joyous]

As badminton fans, we would all love to watch matches where every player play their hearts out and not walk out (except due to injuries), or throw away the deciding game when he knows there is no way he can win. Because at the end of the day, he is not the only one who is going to lose but the fans in general. That's why I prefer a PG/LD or LD/LCW final because these matches have proven to more enjoyable to watch and it doesn't really matter who is the eventual winner because you know they played to their best.

[pjswift]

As badminton fans, we would all love to watch matches where every player play their hearts out and not walk out (except due to injuries), or throw away the deciding game when he knows there is no way he can win. Because at the end of the day, he is not the only one who is going to lose but the fans in general. That's why I prefer a PG/LD or LD/LCW final because these matches have proven to more enjoyable to watch and it doesn't really matter who is the eventual winner because you know they played to their best.

I don't quite agree with you speaking on behalf of badminton fans,so it'll be nice if you can just speak for yourself.
As a badminton fan,I don't feel players owe me anything because they never offer a guarantee anyway.If I feel entitled to great matches just because I've committed unusual amount of time ,money and energy, then I'm in for some real disappointment. I go and expect nothing and chances are at least one match will be great. That's good enough for me. Any more will be a bonus.
Any TH match is tantalising in prospect because of the high unpredictability element.Even when it's disappointing , it can be interesting.TH is not just great in badminton but he can also be a creative thinking guru. I enjoy the many different ways TH has managed LD emotionally so that LD even forgot the muscle show and don't feel great even in victory. LD should thank TH for that. He's giving him arrogance-reducing therapy and teaching him some manners: how to win without making your opponent feel lousy.
But what's the worst kind of match? It's not the one where TH proved he 's the best overgrown net-hitter.It's the one where the match is fixed. It's the one like in the WBC06 WSF where ZN had to play such wild badminton with an incredible 26 u. errors so as to ensure that XXF can win.And not a few all-CHN MS matches.They play it so well that if you believe it, you are an idiot; if you don't , your intelligence gets insulted.That's badminton at its lowest class. Can be great to watch but yet generates a sickening feeling.

[phaarix]

Pleeease don't let this thread go the same way as just about every other Taufik of Lin Dan related thread... it doesn't even have anything to do with the topic of the thread but it always pops up...

[bananaboy]

I don't quite agree with you speaking on behalf of badminton fans,so it'll be nice if you can just speak for yourself.
As a badminton fan,I don't feel players owe me anything because they never offer a guarantee anyway.If I feel entitled to great matches just because I've committed unusual amount of time ,money and energy, then I'm in for some real disappointment. I go and expect nothing and chances are at least one match will be great. That's good enough for me. Any more will be a bonus.
Any TH match is tantalising in prospect because of the high unpredictability element.Even when it's disappointing , it can be interesting.TH is not just great in badminton but he can also be a creative thinking guru. I enjoy the many different ways TH has managed LD emotionally so that LD even forgot the muscle show and don't feel great even in victory. LD should thank TH for that. He's giving him arrogance-reducing therapy and teaching him some manners: how to win without making your opponent feel lousy.
But what's the worst kind of match? It's not the one where TH proved he 's the best overgrown net-hitter.It's the one where the match is fixed. It's the one like in the WBC06 WSF where ZN had to play such wild badminton with an incredible 26 u. errors so as to ensure that XXF can win.And not a few all-CHN MS matches.They play it so well that if you believe it, you are an idiot; if you don't , your intelligence gets insulted.That's badminton at its lowest class. Can be great to watch but yet generates a sickening feeling.

The method they used to determine their so-called statistic is absolutely ridiculous. If they say 26 unforced errors... probably half of them are like you smash-return a shuttle into the net + a bunch of "FORCED" errors. If I remember correctly, the stats were provided by the umpire and it seemed to me that they all have their own point of view as to what a smash winner, net winner, and clear winner is... and if they couldn't decide what to consider that one point is, then they just consider it as an "unforced error":confused::confused::confused:

You say Taufik played mind-games with LD when Taufik knew he couldn't win...:confused: Here is a quote from your post that I like to refer back to you: if you believe it, you are an idiot; if you don't , your intelligence gets insulted.

[Nikchan]

This is not that shocking :eek: :D LOL! Since he will be 27 or 28, and that's starting to get old. :p (in badminton career :D :p )

i dont think age has anything to do with his retirement. he wil be 27 or 28, and unless i am mistaken, some other players are that age too, KJ... and PG defeinitely is older than that. taufik's come into international badminton at a very early age, and has had 10 years of it already, the same as, or even more than most other players. and he's done evrything in his career except the AE.. so there is not much left to achieve and aspire for i guess.... truly great player, i really hope he makes these last two years count. good luck mate

[phaarix]

Denmark players seem to have a very long lifespan (careerspan, whatever). Peter Rasmussen was the same right?

[Joyous]

Well I suppose if a player feels he doesn't owe anybody to play except for himself, it just speaks of his character. Throughout the history of sport, it is noted that a truly professional & responsible player will take the fans into consideration and is not self-centred. I can't imagine a match void of fans.

I don't believe in blind loyalty & certainly bear no grudges against any player except that I don't condone certain behaviour.

[emmsfan]

I didn't really expect this.................
I'm really gonna miss him, but maybe he's quitting because he had some secret dispute with PBSI???
For example, look at Chen Hong, retirement only for 2 months....
and he was back on his feet again, though not playing for the national team.
Taufik is ALWAYS angry (not always but most of the time anyway) with PBSI. Maybe...........
Anyway, hope we get to see him play some more....

[phaarix]

Yeah hopefully he'll do the same as Chen Hong. I don't really see him quitting for good too soon. Quite a few players come back after announcing their retirement to play a bit more.

[newjazz]

hey.. I saw his interview in the Singapore TV recently (before aviva open started), he mentioned that "his family want him to continue playing..."
and he said: errrr... I don't know until when.. .may b 29 or 30 years old....

sound like a very good news for TH's fans....

[RSLdude]

yes this (sad) news is true. i guess taufik doesn't have enough motivation to compete at a level he was before. we will surely miss him ! ! !

[kidosetiawan]

Taufik...INA needs to find another solution...they need to get new rising stars....stop dependancy on Taufik....INA is begining to be like AS roma in football while Taufik is like Totti.......they are the life of INA and AS roma

[RSLdude]

Taufik...INA needs to find another solution...they need to get new rising stars....stop dependancy on Taufik....INA is begining to be like AS roma in football while Taufik is like Totti.......they are the life of INA and AS roma

You are right. Indonesia should be producing "young blood" to remain competitive in the international tournaments for the next 5 years. Korea and Japan will be the next top contenders. Watch out for them! :)

[kimpe_bultang]

I think Taufik should hang on until INA got a one-level player as him... Maybe wait for Andre, Simon, Sony or Tommy to be better first... Or not, INA's future is doom...

[tjl_vanguard]

i think by that time, andre, sony and simon will be already a level up.. so don worry bout it!!
:D

[Felicia_txh]

I think Taufik should hang on until INA got a one-level player as him... Maybe wait for Andre, Simon, Sony or Tommy to be better first... Or not, INA's future is doom...
Bad news..I love to c he plays..Maybe TH should become their coach after retired!!:rolleyes:;)Then they can become the top players in the world!!:)

[kimpe_bultang]

Not all players can coach... Well, I'd say that he go and coach in his club rather than in PBSI... Groom the young ones to be just like him in a diff way.. :D :D

[blessing]

hmm.. taufik.. he's sum1 thats have his own strong character.. if he want to leave.. he'll leave.. i think he will not care so much gua~

[tjl_vanguard]

haha thats his style isnt it.. he does whatever he wants to do... :D

[blessing]

haha thats his style isnt it.. he does whatever he wants to do... :Dyeah.. i love this kind of character... :D:D

[cooler]

Bad news..I love to c he plays..Maybe TH should become their coach after retired!!:rolleyes:;)Then they can become the top players in the world!!:)
ur dreaming.
TH can't be a bad boy and a good boy at the same time lol.
I doubt he would pass down his knowledge to younger indos.
He play for klrc just to avoid playing or pass down advice to simon and sonny LOL

[cooler]

yeah.. i love this kind of character... :D:D
LOL, no wonder Indonesia are in a such of mess.
So disobeying ur teachers and parents so to be like TH??? LOL
Why not be like paris hilton, britney spears or lindsay lohan too:confused: They are doing what they want. At least u would be prettier than TH LOL

[blessing]

ur dreaming.
TH can't be a bad boy and a good boy at the same time lol.
I doubt he would pass down his knowledge to younger indos.
He play for klrc just to avoid playing or pass down advice to simon and sonny LOLsure..?? muahaha.. he wont be so bad as u think..dun judge d book by its cover.. lol..

[cooler]

sure..?? muahaha.. he wont be so bad as u think..dun judge d book by its cover.. lol..
U have just described the taufik fans:), they judge by the book cover

[koo_fan]

taufik is a special player.he has the x-factor.why do u keep critise his way? he didnt give troubles to others unless u do it first.Personally,i like him.he maybe a 'badboy' but its his way.atleast he's more lovely than the arrogant lindan

[Joyous]

I wish everybody will try to let go and move on. I believe TH & LD have done that & am now more matured and composed in handling their emotions. As a fan, I would like to focus and appreciate their performance rather than keep dwelling on their mistakes.

[Joe P]

Both Taufik and Lin Dan are great to watch at their best, and losing a player of Taufik's calibre will definitely dampen my enthusiasm for the game slightly as he is unique, and one I regard as one of the most talented players I've seen, regardless of his antics in the past.

I'm sure both these players do have tremendous respect for each other's abilities on the court, and do look forward to each of their encounters. It's just a shame that we will never be free of politics no matter where and what we do. But I guess it's all part of the package, and these players too are human and make mistakes from time to time. However to their credit, I do think both have learned from their mistakes in the past and have matured somewhat, both as players and people.

I wish him (Taufik) well, and sincerely hope that he can at last achieve the one title that has eluded him.

I hope too that I can watch him play live at least once before he retires. :)

Joe P.

[OneToughBirdie]

Both Taufik and Lin Dan are great to watch at their best, and losing a player of Taufik's calibre will definitely dampen my enthusiasm for the game slightly as he is unique, and one I regard as one of the most talented players I've seen, regardless of his antics in the past.

I'm sure both these players do have tremendous respect for each other's abilities on the court, and do look forward to each of their encounters. It's just a shame that we will never be free of politics no matter where and what we do. But I guess it's all part of the package, and these players too are human and make mistakes from time to time. However to their credit, I do think both have learned from their mistakes in the past and have matured somewhat, both as players and people.

I wish him (Taufik) well, and sincerely hope that he can at last achieve the one title that has eluded him.

I hope too that I can watch him play live at least once before he retires. :)

Joe P.

It is indeed a priviledge for me to see TH played in WC05 in Anaheim and LD as well when he played PG in the SF...great players...seeing live is different from video DL. As a fan, I look forward to seeing the players play the game, their antics I am not too concerned, I would hope politics and game-fixing can be removed but sadly, that's part pf the parcel of the game. And I would miss both LD, TH, LCW and PG too when they are done. When I saw LCW played in WC05, he is quire raw and I would love to see him play in WC07 in MAS, that would be great...so those who are attending WC07, I envy you all, enjoy! And you said it very well in what you had written.:)

[Joe P]

LOL, it's easy to write on subjects you are passionate (borderline obsessed) about. :)

[Xenoy009]

If I were in Lin Dan's situation, I would find this quite disappointing as when you know one of your biggest(if not the biggest) rival will retire soon. It sucks when there is nobody that can give you a big challenge any more, because there is no point of getting even better yourself...:crying:


Yea right.. as the chinese saying goes "No enemy/unbeatable = Lonely". Lin Dan shud be happier to have more world class opponents around to compete with him. :)

[lina_ngchiuhwa]

l like Taufik and would be sad for him because he's going to retire soon.:crying::crying::crying: I totally would be missing him because he's my favourite player and a player that i pay respect most. I hope he will continue to dominate in the world class badminton...:):):)

[Xinguy]

Yeah will be missing u taufik cause you and chong wei are like the only few player that can beat the china players, & of cos we will miss your backhand smesh drop & drive hehe:Dso all the best taufik for your olympic 2008:)

[robin7]

I can't imagine men's singles without LD-LCW-TH rivalry.

[Oldhand]

From: The Retirement Of King Taufik
Original Text: Alfred, Lord Tennyson
----------------------------------

And slowly answer’d Taufik from the court:
“The old order changeth, yielding place to new,
And PBSI fulfils itself in many ways,
Lest one good player should shackle the team.
Comfort thyself: what comfort is in me?
I have played my game, and that which I have done
May BWF within itself make pure! but thou,
If thou shouldst never see my face again,
Pray for my game. More things are wrought by prayer
Than this world dreams of. Wherefore, let thy voice
Rise like a fountain for me night and day.
For what are men better than LD or LYB
That nourish a blind life within the brain,
If, knowing PBSI, they lift not hands of prayer
Both for themselves and those who call them friend?
For so the whole Super Series is every way
Bound by rankings about the feet of BWF.
But now farewell. I am going a long way
With these thou seëst—if indeed I go
(For all my mind is clouded with a doubt)—
To the badminton courts of Bandung;
Where falls not hail, or rain, or any snow,
Nor ever wind blows loudly; but it lies
Deep-meadow’d, happy, fair with tea plantations
And the Bandung Basin crown’d with rice fields,
Where I will heal me of my grievous wound.”

[ctjcad]

...hmm, i wonder how it would read/sound, if it is translated in Indonesian...maybe even in Javanese (taufik-ist?!):confused:;):cool:

[Oldhand]

...hmm, i wonder how it would read/sound, if it is translated in Indonesian...maybe even in Javanese (taufik-ist?!):confused:;):cool:

it'd probably sound blasphemous :p

[koo_fan]

From: The Retirement Of King Taufik
Original Text: Alfred, Lord Tennyson
----------------------------------

And slowly answer’d Taufik from the court:
“The old order changeth, yielding place to new,
And PBSI fulfils itself in many ways,
Lest one good player should shackle the team.
Comfort thyself: what comfort is in me?
I have played my game, and that which I have done
May BWF within itself make pure! but thou,
If thou shouldst never see my face again,
Pray for my game. More things are wrought by prayer
Than this world dreams of. Wherefore, let thy voice
Rise like a fountain for me night and day.
For what are men better than LD or LYB
That nourish a blind life within the brain,
If, knowing PBSI, they lift not hands of prayer
Both for themselves and those who call them friend?
For so the whole Super Series is every way
Bound by rankings about the feet of BWF.
But now farewell. I am going a long way
With these thou seëst—if indeed I go
(For all my mind is clouded with a doubt)—
To the badminton courts of Bandung;
Where falls not hail, or rain, or any snow,
Nor ever wind blows loudly; but it lies
Deep-meadow’d, happy, fair with tea plantations
And the Bandung Basin crown’d with rice fields,
Where I will heal me of my grievous wound.”
its not this sentimental lah..
taufiq is going to a president .Remember?

he wont lose his fans. badminton ia still his life .
as a 'pemerintah' of indonesia,we will see badminton as the soul of indonesia.right? dont be too sentimental. this is not that bad.

[Smichz]

If only TH can last like PG,who's playing for the love of badminton.A true lover can't handle the times not to hold the racket n smack the opponents.LOL...

I guess TH's decision made,so that he can last as a legend..that not a current other single players can do,can obtain such a titles.Not even world rank no:1,LD can do.Olympic,Asian games,World Champion titles..
enough to let TH sleep tight after he's retired.

[koo_fan]

If only TH can last like PG,who's playing for the love of badminton.A true lover can't handle the times not to hold the racket n smack the opponents.LOL...

I guess TH's decision made,so that he can last as a legend..that not a current other single players can do,can obtain such a titles.Not even world rank no:1,LD can do.Olympic,Asian games,World Champion titles..
enough to let TH sleep tight after he's retired.
taufiq is going to be 27 next year.(enlighten me if made a wrong statement).
its too early for him to leave his life as a proffesional badminton player..

we have seen him as a legend..wondered what is the reason he made that statement?

[babystar]

i still want to see his action on the court

[Temasek Green]

Player like Taufik Hidayat will miss the badminton if he retire,unless he involve in others thing that more meaningful to him or more income.