Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Indonesian badminton stars Jonatan Christie and Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo have left the National Training Center of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) i to adopt a club-based training model.

“This is not a farewell, but a form of collaboration. Jonatan and Chico expressed their desire to train outside the national camp, and we respect their decision as part of a professional athlete’s journey,” said PBSI Deputy Chair Taufik Hidayat at a press conference on Thursday (15/5/2025).

He emphasized that the two men’s singles players will remain part of the national team and will continue to represent Indonesia in international tournaments. He also highlighted that this shift mirrors global practices in countries with mature sports systems, as Indonesia moves toward a more flexible athlete development approach.

Jonatan, who recently captained Indonesia at the 2025 Sudirman Cup, enters a new personal phase as a family man and seeks a more time-efficient training routine. Chico is following in his senior’s footsteps to explore a new phase in his career.

PBSI affirmed its full support and stressed that commitment and professionalism, not training location, define an athlete’s dedication. Both players remain eligible for national team call-ups, according to antaranews.com.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)