Hendropriyono named national judo chief

JAKARTA (JP): The path was as smooth as expected for Hendropriyono, who was elected chairman of the Indonesian Judo Association (PJSI) on Monday.

Former chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar, who presided over the electoral board, found nobody else but Hendro, his assistant in PJSI for 12 years, to take over his job.

"I sorted out my successor candidates during my tenure," said Wismoyo, who is the Army Chief of Staff, at the conclusion of PJSI congress here on Monday. "Hendro deserves the command baton for his experience," he added.

Forty representatives of PJSI's branches throughout the country were on hand at the one-day congress held at the Century Park Hotel, Senayan.

Hendro will take the office for a four-year term and was given a month to form the line-up of the PJSI leadership board.

"Being a soldier, I thoroughly accept this duty," said Hendro, vowing that he would bring the nation's judo team up to speed for the golden year of 2002, when the Asian games take place.

Hendro also heads the Indonesian Professional Boxing Commission (KTI). "I will be able to handle both of the organizations," he assured.

Hendro, who was installed as the chief of the Bandung-based Command for Supervision of Army Doctrine, Education and Training on Dec. 10, had earlier been dubbed the favorite to succeed Wismoyo.

Wismoyo refused to run for a fourth term, saying that PJSI needed "regreening". (amd)