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Becoming a star shuttler is the goal for most youngsters who take up badminton, and Riyanto Subagja and Anggia Shitta Awanda are no exception.

To reach that goal, the famed national team training camp in Cipayung, East Jakarta, remains the ultimate destination for all young players seeking international stardom in badminton-mad Indonesia.

The recent trend of top shuttlers breaking ties with the national team to go pro is not for Riyanto and Anggia. While the likes of Taufik Hidayat, Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan seek fame and fortune on their own, the youngsters still believe Cipayung is the best place to improve their skills.

“Those top shuttlers have enough experience to pursue their own career as pros. That makes it easier for them to find sponsors,” said Riyanto, 17. “For me, it’ll be easier to improve my game if I’m on the national team because it’ll give me more chances to play in international tournaments.”

National team shuttlers are under contract with the Indonesian Badminton Association’s (PBSI) official sponsors and have their costs covered as they compete in tournaments worldwide.

Riyanto has spent the past four years training with Djarum Kudus Club while trying to earn selection into the national camp. He fell short in his first attempt in 2003.

“Being one of the national team shuttlers is my ultimate dream. I want to be a world-class shuttler like Lin Dan and Taufik Hidayat,” he said.

The goal keeps getting closer. His victory in the 2009 Auckland International tournament saw the PBSI select him to represent Indonesia in the Asian Youth Under-19 Championship in Kuala Lumpur from March 21-28.

He also stands a good chance of a call-up for the World Junior Championships in Guadalajara, Mexico, from April 16-25. Both events are qualifiers for the inaugural Youth Olympics in Singapore to be held in August.

Riyanto wants to be part of the national contingent, but he knows he must play consistently to keep to keep his place.

“It will be my debut in the national contingent. I’m so excited,” the world no. 194 said.

Riyanto lost 21-17, 21-12 to veteran shuttler Adnan Fauzi in the Djarum National Circuit second series semifinal in Manado on Friday. He vowed to do better in the third series in Pekanbaru, Riau, from April 13-17 if he misses out on the World Youth Championship.

Success does not come without sacrifice, and for Riyanto that means his education at Keluarga High School. He is only required to attend classes twice a week, but spending so little time in school forces him into remedial tests.

He has no intention of continuing his studies in college, adding, “I want to do my best to join the national team since badminton is my life.”

Like Riyanto, 16-year-old Anggia of Jaya Raya Club also has her heart set on a place in Cipayung. She spends most of her time training with the club rather than studying at Ragunan High School in South Jakarta

Unlike Riyanto, however, she is not willing to turn her entire life over to badminton.

She said she wants to go to college after high school while still playing for Jaya Raya, which she joined at age 12.

“I hope I can find a university where I only have to attend classes on weekends,” she said.

Since signing with Jaya Raya, Anggia has participated in a number of local tournaments, including the Manado series. She reached the semifinals in women’s youth singles and won the women’s doubles with partner Shella Devi Aulia.

Anggia’s international debut came in the 2008 Sister City tournament in Japan, where she helped Jakarta to a second-place finish. She also teamed up with Shella to win the 2009 Li-Ning Singapore Youth International Under-17 Championship.

“Hopefully I can join the national team soon, before graduating from high school if possible,” Anggia said. “I just can’t wait to play for the country.” Badminton