Female spikers miss Fukuoka Games

JAKARTA (JP): Misunderstanding has left the Indonesian women's volleyball team out of the University Olympic Games in Fukuoka, Japan, at the end of this month.

The female spikers being prepared for the Southeast Asian Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand, were not included in the draw because their payment of the deposit fee was late.

Secretary-General of the Indonesian Student Counseling Body (Bapomi) Ekodjatmiko Sukarso said yesterday that Bapomi had submitted a US$2,000 deposit for the national men's and women's volleyball teams as required by the Games organizing committee.

"The organizers, however, revised their announcement, saying that we had to double the deposit because we were going to take part in two volleyball competitions," Ekodjatmiko said.

Bapomi paid the difference, but Ekodjatmiko said that the organizers had already conducted the draw.

"What an upsetting experience. We have never fielded a female volleyball team in the University Olympics," Ekodjatmiko was quoted by Antara as saying. Indonesia's hopes in the volleyball event will now rely on the men's spikers who are led by coach Wienarto AR.

Indonesia also will miss the track and field events during the Aug. 23 - Sept. 3 Games. "Frankly speaking, I don't know why we withdrew from track and field competitions," Ekodjatmiko said.

The Indonesian team will comprise 33 sportsmen and women who will take part in swimming, fencing, gymnastics, judo and volleyball. Bapomi chairman Enoch Markum will lead the delegation in the 10-day competition.

A record 160 countries and territories are expected to join the biennial event which will feature 12 sports.

Notable world-rated athletes who will compete in Fukuoka include Hungary's Tamas Darnyi and 100m and 200m butterfly world champion Liu Limin of China. (amd)