"This is a super series tournament, offering the biggest prizes," the general chairman of the All Indonesia Badminton Association (PBSI), Gita Wirjawan, said at a press conference here on Wednesday.
The Indonesia Open Super Series Premier will offer a total prize of US$900,000, up from US$100,000 total prize during last years tournament.
Gita hoped that not only would Indonesia successfully organize the event but will also taste success as its athletes will hopefully emerge champions in five events.
"Indonesia could expect titles from womens doubles, mens doubles and mixed doubles events while there is hope of a medal in the mens single event also," he said.
Gita said the women players still need time to win the womens single event.
He said efforts were on to groom women players. "A lot of efforts are required to prepare young players, especially for the womens single event. We already have potentially good players in Gregoria Mariska and Fitriani," he said.
PBSI secretary general Anton Subowo, who is also chairman of the committee for the event, said preparations for the annual event were almost 100 percent complete.
"We continue to coordinate with the central management of the Bung Karno complex regarding the repairs at the Istora Stadium (where the event will take place) so that comfort and security for athletes and spectators is assured," he said.
The Indonesia Open 2016, sponsored by Bank Central Asia and Djarum Foundation, will be the ideal event for the world players to test their mettle ahead of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in August.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
