news.badminton-indonesia.com In a historical decision, the highest authority in world's badminton gives a nod to Indonesia to hold two Grand Prix tournaments in 2005. The catch: they have to be at least 5-star tournaments. According to Jawapos newspaper, the news was conveyed by Head of Foreign Affairs, Tournaments and Refereeing of PBSI (Indonesian Badminton Association) Gandi Sulistiyanto. "I received IBF's answer two days ago saying we can have two tournaments as long as it is at least rated 5 stars with a total prize of USD 170,000," says Gandi to reporters at the tennis indoor stadium. Gandi also said that he proposed the idea at IBF's recent meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The meeting also decides another historical move by relocating IBF's headquarter to Malaysia. It has been in the UK since it was established. The grant of two tournaments a year could simply be because Indonesia may be the largest market for badminton in the world. TV stations fiercely compete to get the rights to cover the event. Indonesia Open has never had any problem with sponsorship too in the past. Stadium filled by (often fierce) supporters are also familiar to those who has been around in badminton. "We already have one definite dates for one tournament on 20-26 June 2005 and we will discuss the second one at our national conference," added Gandi. He is also convinced that the final rounds of Thomas & Uber Cup 2008 will be held in Jakarta. "It's not yet approved, but I'm 80% sure we will get it," says Gandi. It is Indonesia's big ambition to grab the two prestigious cups as it did several times in the past. Indonesia also gets the rights to hold two satellites tournaments. Currently Jakarta Open is the only tournament in the circuit. Gandi says he will propose the East Java District Administration to host the event. Supplier of most national players, East Java already have "Jawa Pos Gudang Garam" non-sanctioned circuit which is also frequented by foreign players.
