Four lifters get the nod for Asiad
JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Weightlifting, Powerlifting and Bodybuilding Association nominated yesterday four musclewomen and a man for the 13th Asian Games in Bangkok in December.
The association's secretary-general, Djoko Pramono, said after attending a national selection competition that the female trio of Sri Indriyani, Winarni and Supeni and male lifter Taufik deserved to go to the Asiad because they were the most likely to meet Asian standards.
"They performed their best today, and I believe they have great prospects of finishing among the top three in Asia as required by the National Sports Council," Djoko said.
The council will announce today the sports Indonesia will compete in the quadrennial event.
Seven male and female lifters squared off in yesterday's selection, which capped a nine-month training session. National Sports Council Chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar was present in the event at Hotel Indonesia in Central Jakarta.
Competing in the newly introduced 48-kilogram division, Indriyani snatched 83 kg to surpass the International Weightlifting Federation's standard by five kilograms. She hoisted 100 kg in the clean and jerk, 12.5 kg below the world standard.
World junior champion Indriyani won the 46-kg class in the 19th Southeast Asian Games last year.
The world weightlifting body introduced seven new women's categories and eight men's divisions last January. The sport previously sanctioned nine women's and 10 men's classes.
Supeni proved she had regained her old form when she outshone world champion Winarni in the 53-kg class. Supeni snatched 87.5 kg to beat Winarni by 2.5 kg, then hoisted 107.5 kg to complete a double in the two-horse race. Supeni failed to turn up for the SEA Games in October last year because she had just given birth to a baby.
Djoko said he would not suggest the sports council choose between the two musclewomen for the Asiad. "They are the best in the league, so let them fight against each other," he said.
"I'm very proud of Supeni for her quick recovery after delivering her daughter last year. I hope they all can improve their form in the next four months before competing at the Asiad."
Taufik, another SEA Games gold medalist, scored a total lift of 285 kg after snatching 122.5 kg and hoisting 162.5 kg in the clean and jerk.
The Lampung lifter edged out Erwin Abdullah, Misdan and veteran Hari Setiawan.
"Taufik is our only men's medal winning prospect in the Asiad. Hari is getting old while Erwin will be groomed for other championships," Djoko said. (yan)