Indonesian rowers off for European outing

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Indonesian rowing team left for Europe on Tuesday for training before their departure to the Asian Games in Busan, South Korea in September.

The team comprises Jamaludin, Azwar, Agus Budiaji, Aldino, Rahmat, Rudiana, and three women rowers, Pere Coroba, Angelina Ohelo and Wenny Rano. They are accompanied by training director Budiman, coaches Syafril and Cores Sahupala.

The national team is scheduled to take part in a two-day NRSF Tournament in the Netherlands, followed by a week-long training stint under former coach Dedrick Forder.

Forder took charge of the Indonesian team at the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok.

"We want to build on our power. We are familiar with Forder's way of coaching so hopefully the lads will have no problem in training with him," Syafril told reporters after a meeting with the officials of the National Sports Council (KONI) here on Tuesday.

Syafril said that although his squad would only be taking on college students at the Dutch tournament this weekend, he asserted the challenge was undoubtedly going to be tough.

"Considering these student participants take part in tournaments almost every week, this is going to be a good event for our rowers to test their skills," he said.

After their Dutch outing, the Indonesians will up their level of competition when they take part in the World Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland, from July 12 to 14.

As regards their chances at the Asian Games, Syafril said they would face strong opponents but they were looking forward to being challenged in the men's double-scull and 4-scull events.