Bowler tests positive, dropped from SEAG team
JAKARTA (JP): Men's bowler Lee You Tjam has been dropped from the Indonesian sporting delegation to the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games after testing positive for dope.
SEA Games project manager Putera Astaman announced on Thursday at the National Sports Council (KONI) office that Yuyu, as Lee is popularly known, would be replaced by Bambang Sutomo following the first doping case found ahead of the SEA Games.
Dr. James Tangkudung, who heads KONI's medical team, said Yuyu's urine test revealed the presence of amphetamines, which are banned substances and categorized as a stimulant.
Amphetamines can increase alertness and competitive aggression, and mask fatigue during competition. The use of illegal stimulants was blamed for British cyclist Tom Simpson's death during the Tour de France in 1967.
KONI carried out a mass doping test on 50 athletes who were picked at random from the 541 SEA Games hopefuls.
"When we confronted him with the A sample, he denied taking the banned substance," James said.
"He demanded a second test but he acquiesced when I said he would probably run more risk if the B sample tested positive too," he added.
James said Yuyu probably used the substance before a physical examination by the Indonesian Bowling Association (PBI).
Yuyu will not only miss the SEA Games but also face the prospect of being banned from both national and international tournaments, he said.
"We have yet to meet and recommend a sanction to the organization's board," said bowling's project manager, Aswin Limansantoso.
Aswin had only taken up the job last month from David Sitorus, who allegedly swindled the training funds.
Swindle allegations aside, Aswin Limansantoso said Yuyu's elimination would not undermine the team's medal prospects at the SEA Games.
"Yuyu is a good player and he has been part of the national team since 1985. But Bambang is equally good," Aswin said of Yuyu's replacement.
"We have starters and second liners training regularly together. Their abilities are on par with each other," he said.
Indonesia will send 12 bowlers -- six men and six women -- and three coaches to Kuala Lumpur.
The men's team comprises Ryan Lalisang, Haqi Armein, Taufik Rachman, Albert Lalisang, Hengki Susanto and Bambang Sutomo, while Putty Armein, Sharon Adelina, Sarinah Djaja, Ivana Hanjaya, Imondawati and Novie Phang make the women's squad.
The coaches are Jimilin and Henny Hendrawan, with Frans Mardi Rahardja acting as the team's manager.
Frans said the last-minute inclusion of Bambang would not be automatically accepted by the SEA Games organizing committee.
The team will be vying for two gold medals out of 10 from the men's five-team and three-team events. Indonesia won two bronzes in the 1999 SEA Games in Brunei. (01)