Indonesia, Thai share gymnastics laurels
Indonesia, Thai share gymnastics laurels
JAKARTA (JP): Host Indonesia and Thailand shared the laurels on the opening day of the second Southeast Asian Junior Gymnastics Championships at the Senayan Volleyball Hall yesterday, winning one gold medal each.
Indonesia's Novi Kartiana Sari scored a total of 34,775 points, earning a gold medal in the women's all-round artistic event, followed by teammate Irma Febryanti, who gained 34,600 points. Filipina Tanjuatco finished third, with 34,175 points.
Rising star Novi, made a modest debut at the SEA Games in Singapore two years ago but went on to shine at the first junior championships in Bangkok a few months later, when she was chosen as best woman gymnast.
Thailand, the powerhouse of Southeast Asian gymnastics, dominated the men's all-round artistic competition, gaining first, second and third places.
Junklung Akaraj scored 49,150 to win the gold. The silver went to Sumpunachort Rawit, with 49,050 points, while Mongtong Panitan took the bronze, with 48,050 points.
Seven countries are taking part in the two-yearly event, including Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam and the Philippines. Chairman of the Indonesian National Sports Council, Wismoyo Arismunandar, officially opened the junior event.
Two years ago, Thailand took the overall title at the first championships in Bangkok, with 13 golds, 12 silvers and six bronzes. Indonesia finished a distant second with three golds, two silvers and ten bronzes. Only four countries participated in the last championships.
The head of the Thai delegation, Narong Thedvisal, told The Jakarta Post that Indonesian gymnasts had been getting stronger and technically better.
"I think Indonesia now has a greater chance to win. Your gymnasts are now better, thanks to your foreign coaches," Narong said.
A total of ten medals are up for grabs today, in the men's floor exercises, pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars, high bar and in the women's vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercises. (arf)