Indonesian boxers match Cuban juniors in training

Indonesian boxers match Cuban juniors in training

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian boxers undergoing a series of
training stints for the Kuala Lumpur 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA)
Games matched their Cuban sparring partners, an official said on
Monday.

"Our boxers fought members of the Cuban under-19 national team
who are slightly more skillful. But our boxers have also shown
improvement," deputy secretary-general of the Indonesian Amateur
Boxing Association (Pertina) Didit Soedijoto said.

"Not only their physical endurance, but they have polished
their boxing skills and strategy," he added.

Pertina sent six boxers to Cuba. They are Bonix Saweho in the
45kg class, David Isikiwar in the 60kg lightweight, Joko Suryono
in the 52kg light middleweight, Wellem Papilaya in the 63.5kg
light welterweight, Hendrik Simangunsong in the 75kg
middleweight, and Albert Papilaya in the 81kg light heavyweight
class.

Didit asserted that although younger, the Cuban boxers were of
high quality.

"We all know that Cuba is one of amateur boxing's strongest
countries. Besides, the junior boxers come from the Havana-based
Training Center for Higher Results (CEAR)," he said.

In the past, Indonesian boxers sparred with senior Cuban
counterparts who were proven a class apart.

"They said the Cubans 'vanished' when they came under attack,"
Didi quoted some boxers who previously underwent a stint in Cuba.

The Indonesian boxers were also engaged in sparring bouts with
Algerian national boxers who are also attending a training
session in Costa Azul, Havana.

Meanwhile, Indian billiards and snooker coach Michael Parera
arrived here on Monday to take charge of the national team bound
for the SEA Games.

"Parera will train Sayumin Teng, Teng Khee Sien and Fernandi
in snooker as well as Muslim, Hasan Manfaluti and Rahmatullah in
English billiards events," national coach Basuki Santoso was
quoted as saying by Antara.

"Parera is one of the world's best coaches and has
an international reputation. We expect his presence will boost
our players' motivation as well as their skills," he added.

The Indonesian Snooker and Billiards Association (Pobsi) hired
Parera for a two-week contract worth some Rp 40 million
(US$4,700).

Athletes from Malaysia and the Philippines will be the
toughest opponents since both countries are the sports'
powerhouse in the region.

"We haven't set a medal target in either event but we still
have a chance to steal medals. We are only eyeing two gold medals
in the pool events," said Basuki.

In a separate development, the Indonesian Volleyball
Association (PBVSI) has named its SEA Games squad.

Andri Widiatmoko, Zaenudin, Marjoko Sigit, Eko Purnomo
Oktavian, Uus Susyansah, Erwin Rusni, Hadi Esmanto, Marwan
Sutrisno, Johan Rachmadi, Susilo Hari Wibowo, and Iman Agus
Faizal will play in the men's division under the supervision of
coaches Wienarto and Ayub Hidayat.

In the women's division, the players are Wenny Evitasari,
Sentia Angelita, Purwitasari, Fenni Djumiati Sitti Nurjanah, Sri
Julieanti Johar, Santi Wijayanti, Anna Yohana, Siswati, Dhika
Christina, Magda Roselani, and Rohmi Vidi Asnika. They are being
trained by Michio Fujiwara of Japan and Machfud Irsjada. (nvn)