Problems mounting ahead of SEA Games<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): With only about a month left before the
\ncommencement of the Kuala Lumpur 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA)
\nGames, several sports organizations here are busy seeking an end
\nto the internal and external problems plaguing their final
\npreparations.<\/p>\n
The Indonesian Karate Federation (Forki) has given two of its
\nfighters, Isfan Rahfisal Tanjung and Christine Dewi Gani, a
\nMonday deadline to reduce their weight or else they lose their
\nplaces on the 19-strong national karate team.<\/p>\n
\"We discovered the overweight problems during our training
\nsession in Japan last month. They must lose weight by Monday or
\nface the consequences,\" the Forki official responsible for
\nathlete development, Ahmad Budu, said on Thursday.<\/p>\n
\"They will have to resign from the national team or be
\nexpelled by the federation if they cannot meet the weight
\nstandards. Let's see what happens on Monday.\"<\/p>\n
Isfan is scheduled to compete in the men's 55 kilogram
\ndivision, while Christine is in the women's 60kg category.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, project manager Tono Soe'oed told The Jakarta Post
\nthat they were taking the overweight matter lightly.<\/p>\n
\"Both fighters have reached their ideal weight. All we need is
\na way to keep them at that weight,\" he said over the phone.<\/p>\n
He said those who failed to maintain their weight could
\ncompete in the free weight class, provided they improve their
\nperformance.<\/p>\n
\"Should they fail to make any progress, we will either take
\ntheir names off the list or place them on the substitute bench,\"
\nhe added.<\/p>\n
In a separate development, the Indonesian Bowling Association
\n(PBI) has named a new project manager, Aswin Limansantoso, to
\nreplace David Sitorus who has been fired for his alleged
\ninvolvement in a financial scam.<\/p>\n
\"I don't want to make any comment on David's case because I
\nwant to concentrate on my new duties. I must prepare our bowlers
\nto reach their best achievement,\" Aswin said.<\/p>\n
\"I must maintain the bowlers' teamwork and keep their spirits
\nhigh. It is important because we are eying two gold medals from
\nthe trio and team events.\"<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Equestrian and Horse Racing
\nAssociation (Pordasi) has decided to take horses with them to
\nMalaysia amid the growing concerns over the spread of foot and
\nmouth disease.<\/p>\n
\"There is no problem in sending the horses to Malaysia since
\nwe are free of the disease. But problems could occur in our
\nreturn home,\" veterinarian Wirasmono Sukotjo said.<\/p>\n
\"Biologically, the disease doesn't affect horses but they can
\nget it through direct contact with infected animals. But I
\nbelieve Malaysia has already taken precautions.\"<\/p>\n
He said the government had determined several measures to
\nprevent the possible spread of the disease, including laboratory
\nexaminations, disinfectant sprays and quarantine.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Pordasi spokeswoman Larasati said Indonesia had to
\nsend its athletes because there was little risk involved.<\/p>\n
\"We are facing a US$2,000 fine per rider if we withdraw our
\nathletes from the event as regulated by the equestrian world
\nbody, FIE,\" said Larasati, who is also competing in the dressage
\nevents. (nvn)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/problems-mounting-ahead-of-sea-games-1447893297",
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