Karatekas set modest target in Sydney trip

JAKARTA (JP): The national karate team has set a modest target of winning two golds in the Australian Open Championship in Sydney, its first outing ahead of the 13th Asian Games in December.

Head of the contingent Brig. Gen. Albert Paruntu, speaking after meeting with chairman of the National Sports Council Wismoyo Arismunandar, said Indonesia would rely heavily on female karatekas Omita Olga Ompi, Nurossi Nurasjati and Meyti Kaseger to win gold for it in the tournament, to be held on April 25 and April 26.

Omita, an Asian Games silver medalist in 1994, will compete in kata martial arts performance, Nurossi in the 50kg division bout and Meyti in the 60kg class fight. All three won golds in the recent KASAD (Army Chief of Staff) Cup.

"It's sad that we only are only aiming to win two golds, because a karate tournament always has at least 12 medals on offer," Albert said.

The national karate team will comprise 19 men's and women's karatekas, but Albert did not expect most team members to shine.

He declined to identify by name those with little chance of doing well.

"We are concerned by this problem, and each of us must work hard to groom young karatekas and plan the best training program for them," he said.

The federation's general secretary, Hendardji, said the Indonesian Karate Federation would use the Australian Open to select eight karatekas for the Asian Games in Bangkok.

"We believe they will not waste the opportunity but instead will perform their best to win a place in the national Asian Games karate team," said Hendardji.

The 19-strong squad will depart tomorrow.

Hendardji said the eight karatekas selected would undergo intensive training for the Asiad.

They will compete in the World Karate Championships in Brazil next October as the final tune-up for the Asian Games, he added. (emf)