Indonesia sends wrestlers to China

Indonesia sends wrestlers to China

JAKARTA (JP): A 12-strong Indonesian team will leave for the 12th Asian Wrestling Championships slated for Apr. 4 to Apr. 10 in Xiaoshan, China, with a modest target of seeking experience.

"It would be very difficult for national wrestlers to earn a gold medal because they will be taking on world-class opponents from China, Japan and Kazakhstan," said T.B. Silalahi, chairman of the Indonesian Wrestling Association's Advisory Board.

The championships serve as the last Olympic qualifying tournament for Asian wrestlers. Seventy slots are on offer in Xiaoshan for this year's Summer Games in Atlanta.

In the championship's Greco-Roman event, all three medalists in each category will be entitled to Olympic berths. For the free style event, Olympic slots will go to the medalists plus the fourth finisher in each category. (arf)