Cycling association declines brothers' offer

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.