Japanese rhythmic gymnasts to hold exhibition here
Japanese rhythmic gymnasts to hold exhibition here
JAKARTA (JP): Japan is sending a team of rhythmic gymnasts to
Indonesia for a two-day exhibition beginning Dec. 6, it was
announced yesterday.
Kazumi Inami, assistant director of the Japan Foundation, said
the gymnasts would include 14 men and women, all seniors, and
nine coaches.
"Apart from the exhibition, there will also be a clinic for
Indonesian coaches and gymnasts," Inami said.
The exhibition is being organized by the Japan Foundation in
cooperation with the Indonesian Gymnastics Association (Persani).
Inami said Japan is the second most powerful nation in
rhythmic gymnastics after China. The visit of the Japanese
gymnasts to Indonesia is part of their current Southeast Asian
tour.
"Besides improving ties between Indonesia and Japan through
sports, we want to introduce Japanese rhythmic gymnastics to the
public," Inami said.
Tickets for the exhibition, to be held at Gedung Senam Duren
Sawit, East Jakarta, can be obtained at the Japan Foundation or
at the building itself.
SEA Games
Meanwhile, Frederik Huma, head of Persani's technical
committee, said Tuesday Indonesia will rely on Jonathan Sianturi
to capture a gymnastics gold medal in the 19th SEA Games in
Jakarta, due to take place here from Oct. 11 to Oct. 19, 1997.
Jonathan grabbed two gold medals in the pommel horse and ring
events at the 18th SEA Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Frederik said it was impossible to target how many gold medals
will be won by local gymnasts in the Jakarta Games. He was
optimistic, however, that Jonathan will gain two gold medals in
his two specialties.
Frederik added that for the Jakarta Games, Persani has already
started informal training for its athletes. "We have 26 gymnasts
taking part in the training. From the 26 athletes, 15 will be
selected for the Games."
The 26 gymnasts consist of eight men and 10 women in regular
gymnastics and eight women in the rhythmic events.
Frederik said the gymnastics competition at the SEA Games will
offer 16 gold medals. He said Thailand, Malaysia and the
Philippines would be Indonesia's strongest contenders, Antara
reported yesterday.
Frederik said two Russian coaches, Kouznetsov Iouri and Irina
Voino, are training the Indonesian gymnasts. Iouri trains the
women's artistic and Irina for the women's rhythmic.
Persani, said Frederik, is negotiating with the Russian
gymnastic federation to send a coach for the men's team.
He also said Indonesia will send 10 men and women gymnasts to
the Southeast Asia Junior Gymnastic Tournament (Seacon III) in
Manila from Dec. 12 to Dec. 18.
In the last two tournaments (Seacon I and II), Indonesia has
come out as the runner-up with Thailand as the winner in both the
1993 Seacon I in Bangkok and in the 1995 Seacon II in Jakarta.
Nine of the ten gymnasts that will represent Indonesia have
already been selected. (lnt)