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)