Indonesia aims to win six SEA Games wushu golds
Indonesia aims to win six SEA Games wushu golds
JAKARTA (JP): Despite leadership problems earlier this year,
the Indonesian Wushu Association is still optimistic of winning
six of the 19 gold medals on offer at the 19th Southeast Asian
(SEA) Games here in October.
The head of the wushu training center, Darius Apan, said
yesterday "training started in January but it didn't go well
because of internal problems. But with the athletes' hard work,
we can go ahead with the programs".
Darius replaced Putu Wijaya as head of the training center
last May.
He reported to the National Sports Council chairman Wismoyo
Arismunandar on training progress. Wismoyo was visiting the
training center at the Senayan sports complex in Central Jakarta.
The association has just got over internal problems.
Association officials were split, half supporting chairman
Antonius Haliman and half challenging his leadership.
The problem became personal and influenced the progress of the
training for the Games.
National training director Djoko Pramono took over and solved
the problems.
Darius said from the 41 athletes - 25 from taulo (non-combat)
and 16 from sanshau (free fighting) disciplines - admitted in
January, 22 had been selected for the SEA Game.
The men's taulo team includes Gora Nebulana, Herman Wijaya,
Seno Prakoso, Mathius Joko, Isidorus Sukarno, Sutantyo, while the
women's taulo team includes Jaenab, Juwita, Sherlie, Olivia
Setiadi, Meliany Tirtaraharja, Yenny Santoso.
The association is still waiting for Hartono Seputro, the
country's best hope, to join the training program. He is working
in Surabaya.
In sanshau, Chris John Abby and Firman will compete in the 52
kilogram division, Yani and Pilatus in the 56 kilogram division,
Teguh Prastowo and Dharma in the 60 kilogram division, Lambertus
and Gunawan in the 65 kilogram division and Alfrits and Hesron in
the 70 kilogram division.
Taulo coach Bozy Cipta P. said Indonesia would probably win
four golds from the men's and women's tai-chi events and men's
and women's nan chien events.
They are being trained by Chinese coach, Zheng Nai Liang.
Sanshau coach Surya predicted Indonesia would win two golds
could be won from the disciplines.
Tough rivals
Indonesia rates the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand as its
toughest rivals and a threat to Indonesia's dream of winning six
gold medals.
In an effort to give the athletes international experience,
the association will send 12 taulo and five sanshau athletes to
China for two months. They leave on June 12.
Wismoyo was told the training center lacks some basic
facilities like thicker mats.
"We need to have a TV, video camera and video cassette
recorder to evaluate training. We did the same thing every two
weeks during our training in Surabaya," Bozy said.
Wismoyo said the necessary equipment would be delivered today
and that Hartono was expected to arrive from Surabaya tomorrow.
"I just need you to improve your technical skills and keep
your promise to win at least six golds. The development of wushu
depends on the Games results. If you fail, wushu may not be
featured, even in the National Games," he told his athletes.
(yan)