15 gymnasts included in RI's SEA Games contingent

15 gymnasts included in RI's SEA Games contingent

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Gymnastics Association named
yesterday the six men and six women gymnasts and three rhythmic
gymnasts in the squad for the coming 19th Southeast Asian (SEA)
Games.

Gymnastics training director Andi Darussalam Tabusala said
yesterday the final squad would be announced publicly on Sept. 1.

"We'll announce the names soon. You can predict the team from
seeing the gymnasts who are being groomed for the Games," he
said.

The association is grooming Jonathan M Sianturi, Lulu
Manurung, Khaerudin Pasaribu, Zahari, Sepri Haryadi, Harun Fauzi
Rangkuti, Abdul Razak and Zainul Abidin for the men's events.

Suryani Siahaan, Sherly Novitasari, Nurfiana Akhmadi,
Elliningsih, Helda Sulistina, Dewi Prahara and Sukma Anggraini
are the women gymnasts being groomed.

Novi Kartianasari failed to stay with the team after injuring
her neck during a stint in Moscow early last month. She had to
undergo medical treatment for three months.

The association is also grooming rhythmic gymnasts Yulianti,
Winny Sari, Oh Ze Ching and Nelly Astuti.

Andi said the athletes who were not chosen for the Games team
would continue training in a long-term program.

"In the meantime, they can be sparring partners for the main
team before the Games begin," he said.

Indonesia won two gold, one silver and four bronze medals at
the 1995 Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This time it is expected
to win six of the 16 golds on offer.

Host Thailand made a clean sweep of the gold medals at the
last Games by winning 20 gold, 10 silver and five bronze medals.

Andi said "I never set targets. I can just guarantee that we
will win more than the two golds we won at the last Games."

"I'm more concerned about Malaysia than Thailand. We know how
good Thailand is but we never know about Malaysia."

Malaysia, which will host the 1998 Commonwealth Games, is
preparing its gymnasts for a stint in Bulgaria. (yan)