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)