Equestrian team revels in SEA Games challenge

Equestrian team revels in SEA Games challenge

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian equestrian team bound for the
upcoming SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur is hoping to win two gold
medals at the biennial sporting event next month.

"With the horses fit and with us not having encountered any
serious problems in the leadup to the competition, I dare to say
our chances are big," Roy Ibrahim, one of the 14 athletes being
groomed for the games, said at the Adhyaksa Stable training
ground in the outskirts of Jakarta on Tuesday.

"We are 80 percent ready and hopefully will reach our peak at
the time of the competition."

Roy, who is also the only local trainer with an international
certificate, had lived in Malaysia for five years.

"We know the skills of our opponents, especially the
Malaysians," he said, adding that Malaysia is a strong contender
in the event. Thailand, whose best achievement was a gold medal
at the 1998 Asian Games, is another team to beat.

Female rider Larasati Gading expressed the same optimism.

"This is my debut at a regional event. I am looking forward to
the challenge. I will be striving for a gold," the noted model
said.

The team comprises Nico Pelealu, Adhita Indra Wardhani,
Larasati Gading, Rafik Hakim Radinal, Albert Extegenus Pelealu,
Budi Tulodo, Gutomo, Anto Budiarto, Fesol, Tenny Palandeng,
Winson Pola, Surmin, Yudi Iryanto and Roy Ibrahim.

The athletes was psychologically affected following an
embezzlement case, which led to the resignation of the then
training chief, Johan Pitoy. Alfons Tungadi has since taken his
place.

"It had embarrassed us but we have overcome that," Roy said.

The team is scheduled to depart on Aug. 25 with the horses
being transported by a Navy LST ship. The team was to have flown
to Kuala Lumpur two weeks ago to take part in three warm-up
tournaments with opponents in the competition.

Roy said the delay had deprived them of the opportunity to
adjust to the competition.

"The warm-ups would have helped pinpoint our opponents'
strengths and weaknesses as well as our own. And we would have
had the time to correct our flaws," he said.

There are seven gold medals at stake in the equestrian
competition's four events, namely, dressage, show jumping, three-
day event, and endurance. (01)