Indonesia second best in pencak silat
Indonesia second best in pencak silat
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (JP):Indonesia was forced to acknowledge
the emerging supremacy of Vietnam in pencak silat as the event
closed at the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games on Friday.
Indonesia's five golds, three silvers and six bronzes failed
to meet the goal of the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association
(IPSI) for seven golds. Indonesia won 17 of 21 golds at stake at
the Games two years ago.
Vietnam topped the medal standings with six golds, four
silvers and two bronzes, doubling its achievement from two years
ago.
Indonesian first-timer Permata Kemalasari Ladowo, 19, dashed
the hopes of the 5,000-strong home crowd, which included Sultan
Hassanal Bolkiah, by upsetting Umi Kalthum Abdul Karim in the
women's class A (45-50kgs).
"She had all the support, but it didn't discourage me from
fighting against her," Permata said. "On the contrary, I was
motivated to beat her in front of the sultan and her public. I
wanted to prove everybody that I can do it and I'm sure I have
the blessings from God."
Khaltum, who lit the cauldron at the Games opening last week,
said her opponent was better prepared.
Indonesian veteran Ni Made Wahyuni overwhelmed Nguyet Minh Le
of Vietnam in the women's class E (65-70 kilograms) for gold.
His compatriot Abas Akbar outclassed Brunei's Faudillah Hj Md
Ghani in the men's class D (60-65kgs) despite a cut mouth.
Unfortunately, Ni Made Suparmi broke her right arm and was
forced to retire in the women's class C (55-60kgs) final against
Vietnamese Thi Mui.
IPSI secretary-general Oyong Karmayudha expressed
dissatisfaction over his fighters' achievements this year.
"We must be introspective about the national training
programs. There's nobody who really wants to devote themselves to
developing pencak silat across the nation. Only IPSI does."
He blamed the brief training period and fund shortages for the
poor showing.
"In 1997, we had one year to prepare ourselves for the event.
The long period allowed us to improve our regional fighters to
meet the national standards.
"This year, we only had three months to prepare and limited
funds to finance overseas stints. I don't blame the National
Sports Council (KONI) for failing to support us. It should be the
government who finances our preparation."
He dismissed charges that the refereeing was biased against
the Indonesians and faulted his athletes for sometimes failing to
heed the rules.
"Some of them do not understand the rules. For example, a rule
says that one fighter is only allowed to perform for three
minutes. If the fighter performs more or less than the given
time, there is a penalty." (ivy)