Cycling association declines brothers' offer

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Cycling Association said yesterday it would not need athletes who are unwilling to fight for the 19th SEA Games, to be held here in October, because they would be a bad influence on other athletes.

Sofian Ruzian, the association's official, said Monday the association was commenting on national cyclists Herry Janto Setiawan and Hengky Setiawan, who had confirmed their participation in the Games to training director Djoko Pramono on Monday.

Herry, Hengky and another cyclist Tubagus Maulana had submitted a resignation letter to the association because of their inability to combine the busy cycling schedule and their jobs.

But Djoko urged the association to arrange a new program for them if it did not have adequate substitute riders for the Games.

The association's Secretary-General Didi Sedijanto said he has not heard any wish from the National Sports Council to take the athletes back.

"We had explained the problem last week to Pak Djoko that we would have adequate substitutes for them. Pak Djoko had understood the problem and the case was closed. If it appears again, I have no idea," Didi said.

Didi said if Herry and Hengky rejoin the centralized training program, their presence could create uncomfortable conditions at training sessions, which had been going for two months.

"Herry and Hengky can join the training but we must consider the teamwork that has been created. How about the budget for them?" Didi said.

Antara reported the association's chairman Harry Sapto was very upset about both athletes' comments in newspapers. Their comments were thought to underestimate the organization.

"Pak Harry urged them to apologize to the association in newspapers," Didi said.

"Herry and Hengky still have to undergo physical tests and they aren't automatically in the main team," he added.

Boxing

The Indonesian Boxing Association has not given any target to national boxer Pino Bahari, the 1990 Asian Games gold medalist, because of the fierce competition from Thai boxers.

Pino, who won the silver medal in the 75kg event at the 1995 SEA Games in Chiang Mai Thailand, has turned pro.

But council chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar urged promoter Turino Tidar to delay Pino's plan. Pino is to receive Rp 100 million (US$41,700) for five pro matches and hopes to become the Pan-Asia Boxing Association's middleweight champion.

The association's Secretary-General Didiet Soedijoto said the organization would let the council make the decision deciding where Pino would be coached.

"If the council wants us to coach Pino, we'll be ready. But we can't decide who's best because we also have Otong Kosasih," Didiet said.

"None of our boxers are targeted to win any gold medals in the event. But the association expects them to win four or six golds in the Games," he added.