Juana and Indriyani both on the mend

JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) official in charge of sports science commission, Carmen Jahja, hinted on Monday that women's taekwondo athlete Juana Wangsa Putri might continue training for the Olympic Games in Sydney in September.

Carmen said the preliminary medical report from last weekend showed that Juana's condition was improving.

"The MRI (magnetic resonance impedance) test result made us optimistic on Juana's chance to continue competing," she said.

Juana said she had resumed training on March 20. She will continue her training in South Korea next week.

"I don't feel the pain during training anymore. I'm still optimistic that I can perform in the Olympics. I want to show everyone that I can give my best despite the injury," said the 23-year-old Juana, who competes in the flyweight division.

Juana is scheduled to compete in the Japan Open in Osaka on April 29 and April 30, the Asian Taekwondo Championship in Hong Kong from May 18 to May 21, the Mexico Open from June 8 to June 11 and the Korea Open in South Korea from June 26 to June 29.

Juana said she was unsure if she could compete in the 15th National Games in Surabaya from June 19 to June 30.

Speaking of weightlifter Sri Indriyani, Carmen said she was on a rehabilitation program after undergoing a minor arthroscopic surgery last week.

"We are waiting to see her rehabilitation progress. We'll know in two weeks. Her injury is a common occurrence for athletes. It's not too worrying. She still has five months of training before the Olympics," she said.

Carmen also said that shuttler Cindana Hartono had to be supervised by a medical team if she insisted on competing in the Japan Open in mid-April.

She said Cindana must use a brace or tape to support her leg during competition, which would certainly cause uneasiness.

"She can't perform at 100 percent of her ability. She should use a brace or tape to avoid further injury. On the other hand, she has to be accompanied by a medical team with knowledge to treat a re-injury."

Carmen suggested that Cindana set her own priorities.

"She must take her own risk now. She must choose between her career and health. She has set a goal to reach the world's top 16 to qualify for the Olympics," she said. (ivy)