Fans all abuzz about games

Muhammad Uzair, The Jakarta Post, Palembang

The ongoing National Games (PON) has been alive with the high enthusiasm of local fans. Match venues, particularly those hosting the tennis, basketball, soccer and badminton events, are never devoid of raucous crowds that have come out in force to support their favorite teams.

In some sports, many local fans come to watch, even though they are well aware that their teams cannot match rivals' strengths and skills. They might be dejected about the predictable loss, but this does not seem deter them from rooting for their underdog teams.

The enthusiasm was palpable from the torch procession ahead of the games, when thousands of sports fans lined the streets to applaud the torch bearers.

About 40,000 enthusiasts attended last week's opening ceremony at Sriwijaya Stadium, officiated by President Megawati Sukarnoputri.

PON features 41 sports and involves 6,500 athletes from 30 of the country's 32 provinces. A total of 660 gold medals are up for grabs across several venues, 13 of which are located outside Palembang.

This year's quadrennial national sporting meet is being held outside Java -- the first time in almost half a century. Thus, with a highly unlikely probability that the National Games will again come their way within the next 100 years, PON is too great an opportunity for local fans and sporting enthusiasts to miss.

Yudi, 27, arrived along with three friends at fertilizer firm PT Pusri Palembang's sports complex early on Saturday morning, when the home archers were to take to the field.

Although a medal win eluded the host team, which finished in 18th place, Yudi said the loss would not deter him from coming the following day to give his support.

"It does not matter if they lose. I enjoy the match," he said.

He said an archery competition was a rare attraction, even on TV. Although he might not understand the rules, he said he found delight in watching the arrows released to hit the target.

"If the arrows hit the bull's eye, we give a big applause," he said.

Volleyball seems to be one of the most popular events at Palembang Sports Hall, where the host women's team, led by Lely Yuniar, qualified for the semifinals after beating Papua 3-1.

Alex, a 17-year-old high school student, said he skipped school to watch the matches. "I love it, though I had to play hooky. We have to give our support to South Sumatra, don't we?" he said.

On the other hand, Rida, 22, who works at a private company in Palembang, could not hide his disappointment after the South Sumatra basketball team lost to Jakarta 100-56.

"How come South Sumatra has been beaten twice? Yesterday they fell to Aceh 86-77, now to Jakarta," he said.

But Rida did not lose heart: "If (my team) has lost, then I'll cheer on some other teams that perform well."

Scores of students flocking to the matches in groups are a common sight, as the local education office appealed to schools to help create a cheerful atmosphere for the games.

"We contacted schools in Palembang and asked teachers to encourage students to come to the matches and support our athletes," said Sumayyah, Palembang Education Office head.

He noted, however, that their attendance at the games should not interfere with classes.

Martial arts and combat events such as pencak silat, tae kwon do and fencing have also drawn the interest of local fans.

Santi, a housemaid, looked fascinated at the fencing match, which was held at IAIN sports hall in downtown Palembang.Even her baby, cradled in her arms, could not distract her.

"It's like watching a Zorro movie," she said.

As of Sunday, the fourth day of the National Games, host team South Sumatra was still in seventh place with 9 golds, 16 silvers and 10 bronzes.

Topping the medal tally may be a far-off dream, but the people of Palembang seem set to enjoy themselves and are doing their bit -- cheering, hooting, shouting and applauding -- to help PON 2004 be remembered as one of the most vibrant national sporting events.