Fans all abuzz about games

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.