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)