Indonesia turns down offer to host WBC event

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has turned down an offer to host the World Boxing Council (WBC) convention slated to take place in November, saying it would be inappropriate to do so during the fasting month of Ramadhan.

"It would be impossible for us to organize the convention at that time because we'll be observing Ramadhan. Most of our people will concentrating on fasting," WBC's representative in Indonesia, Chandru G. Lalwane, was quoted as saying by Antara news agency on Wednesday.

"I have called WBC president Jose Sulaiman to inform him of our rejection and he said it was not a problem. WBC will appoint another country to replace Indonesia."

Indonesian Boxing Association (ATI) chairman Manahan Situmorang has voiced approval of the decision, saying it would be improper to hold the convention during the fasting month.

"We would want to give our best in organizing the convention, but it would be impossible to do so during the fasting month," he said.

"We would also want to provide activities, such as entertainment, which are limited during Ramadhan."

The city administration usually orders the temporary closure of nightspots during Ramadhan. (nvn)