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)