Illness may wreck Oka's gold quest

JAKARTA (JP): Asian Games medal-winner Oka Sulaksana may miss out on his bid to earn Indonesia a gold medal in surfing at the Southeast Asian Games as he has yet to fully recover from typhoid.

Leane Suniar, the medical attendant to the Indonesian contingent, confirmed Oka's wavering health condition although the Bali-based surfer had left the hospital and had since been receiving more intensive treatment.

The illness caused Oka to lose three kilograms in weight.

Leane said Oka had been taking liquid supplements for two days in an attempt to restore him to health.

Although he may be less than 100 percent fit, Oka seemed to proceeding with his challenge as he prepared for Sunday's race at Admiral Cove, Negeri Sembilan.

"We will see to it that Oka makes a speedy recovery. I'm going to accompany him to the race. Hopefully, he will be fully fit," Leane said as quoted by Antara.

Meanwhile, Kusnan Ismukanto, the deputy chef-de-mission, was concerned about Oka, but expressed his optimism that the ace surfer could regain form in time for the quest for gold.

He said that his team had done its utmost to help Oka regain his confidence. (mfd)