Ghalib installed as wrestling body chief

Ghalib installed as wrestling body chief

JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Andi Muhammad Ghalib was
installed as chairman of the Indonesian Wrestling Association
(PGSI) for the 1999 to 2003 term in a ceremony led by National
Sports Council (KONI) chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar on Monday.

Ghalib, 52, said after the ceremony he would develop the
training program for wrestlers and improve PGSI's official
performance.

"Together with my new officials, I will set up short, middle
and long-term training programs. Wrestling has enormous potential
to develop throughout the country and we could promote it here,
but we must improve the basic training. However, I will continue
the efforts of my predecessors."

Ghalib, an active army lieutenant general who plays tennis and
golf, said he would try to boost the spirit of sportsmanship
among his officials and wrestlers.

"I think people can improve their sportsmanship through sport
because they experience winning and losing. I am interested to
chair PGSI because I am interested in the spirit (of
sportsmanship)."

Born in Bone, South Sulawesi, Ghalib was the head of the Armed
Forces prosecutor's office before President B.J. Habibie
appointed him as attorney general to replace Soedjono C.
Atmonegoro last June.

He was assigned to launch an investigation concerning alleged
corrupt, collusive and nepotistic practices, into former
president Soeharto and his officials.

Ghalib jokingly said that he found similarities in his new job
and his current post.

"I'm now wrestling with the corruption, collusion and nepotism
investigation at my office. The difference is that in my position
as the attorney general, I am reviled and defamed. But here, they
have expectations of me."

Ghalib is assisted by, among others, executive director Endro
Sumarjo, secretary-general Chairman Harahap and treasurer Tahir.

Endro said the association had scheduled four championships to
be held this year.

PGSI staged national junior championships at Ragunan, South
Jakarta, in March. It will stage the Brawijaya Cup competition in
Malang, East Java, in July, the National Championships in
November or December and the inter-club championship, at a date
yet to be decided. (ivy)