Five golds hoped from powerlifting

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia expects to snatch five out of the 88 gold medals up for grabs at the world junior powerlifting championships to be held in Bali next week.

Budiono Kartohadiprodjo, executive chairman of the Indonesian Association of Powerlifting, Weightlifting and Body Building (PABBSI), told newsmen yesterday that the event is expected to be joined by muscle men and women from 23 countries.

Budiono, however, said that only four countries, including Indonesia, are currently registered for the event. The three international contenders are from Japan, India and Taiwan.

The Philippines, India and South Korea, Asia's powerhouses in the sport are expected to submit their entry lists soon, Budiono added.

Nineteen Indonesian hopefuls will represent their country in the event due to start on June 21 at the Amphie Theater of at Nusa Dua.

"The group is divided equally between the men's and women's teams," he said as quoted by the Suara Pembaruan daily yesterday.

He remarked that at least five gold medals should go to the following powerlifters: Agustini (67.5 kg) and Mingguriati (52 kg) for the women's contests, Komarudin (56 kg), Sutrisno (60 kg) and Syahroni (75 kg) - the world-record holder for this class since last year.

Syahroni produced the record in the world championship in Hamilton, Canada last year in which Indonesia sent three lifters and won two golds, one by Syahroni and another by Komarudin.

"We expect Syahroni to better his records," Budiono said.

He said that the Bali event will include the bench press, squat, power lift and total lift. (hdj)