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After 19 years, Indonesia finally won the Thomas Cup after defeating China on Sunday (17/10). However, this victory was not exciting. During the ceremony, Indonesia's national flag was replaced with Indonesian Badminton Association's flag. This happened because of an issue between Indonesia and the World Anti-Doping Agency -WADA. The "flagless" punishment in every international event was imposed by WADA for IOC member countries that have problems with doping tests or the doping itself on the athletes.
On that matter, Indonesian Minister of Youth and Sports, Zainudin Amali, as President Joko Widodo's instruction to immediately solve this issue, has moved quickly by forming a special task force led by Raja Sapta Oktohari.
Raja Sapta, who is also Indonesian Olympics Committee Chairman said that he has opened communication with WADA to relieve the country's anti-doping agency LADI from the sanction. In opening the communication, Raja Sapta Oktohari met directly WADA's President, Witold Banka and Secretary General, Olivier Niggli at the Association of National Olympic Committee's General Assembly in Greece on Sunday (24/10).
From the meeting, Raja Sapta said that there are some obstacles in the communication between LADI and WADA. However, direct access for every LADI personnel to WADA's has been opened. So, the issue can be solved quickly. Also, the task force keeps pushing LADI to solve some 24 postponed issues. Raja Sapta also ensured that if all the requirements are fulfilled by LADI, Indonesia will regain her rights on sports events and can host another international championship again.
The issue of doping is a serious one for every athlete, since they are demanded to be honest in their achievements. Therefore, there should be more education for the athletes, medical team, and LADI officials. Besides, the cooperation with Japan in building an anti-doping lab needs to be finished soon so that Indonesia will not depend on anyone in doping testing the athletes in every championship.
