KONI regrets coach brawl incident
JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) official in charge of athletes development, Mochammad Hindarto, expressed regret over an internal conflict between coaches at the Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti), saying it was particularly worrying since the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games were approaching.
"Punching someone is also criminal. We really regret what happened. But we'll call both coaches and Pelti officials to give a detailed report on the matter. We don't want a repeat of the incident in the future," said the former Jakarta Police chief.
SEA Games women's team coach Suharyadi reportedly punched former men's team coach Deddy Prasetyo in a quarrel at Pelti's office in the Senayan tennis complex on Monday.
Suharyadi said he was upset with Deddy's two players -- Febi Widhiyanto and Hendri Susilo Pramono -- who declined to stay in the dormitory provided by Pelti.
Pelti spokesman, Benny Mailili, told The Jakarta Post that the organization had yet to punish either coach.
"We will wait for the Pelti chairman's decision, including on Febi's and Hendri's refusal to stay in the dormitory. I myself regret Suharyadi's emotional reaction," he said.
"It's more important that their names are on the list to compete in the Games. Ibu Martina Widjaja, who is in charge of the training program, will be able to solve the problem," said Benny, who is also deputy secretary-general.
Men's team coach Tintus Ariwibowo declined to comment on his colleagues' conflict, saying he had no problem with Febi and Hendri wanting to stay in their homes.
"It's more important for them to practice together with other players," he said.
Benny said the training program for the SEA Games in Brunei Darussalam from Aug. 7 to Aug. 15 would start next week after the men's future tournament here this week.
Indonesia has selected Suwandi, Yusmawan Fahmi, Febi and Hendri to join the men's team and Wynne Prakusya, Romana Tedjakusuma, Liza Andriyani and Wukirasih Sawondari are on the women's team.
Meanwhile, Febi and Hendri qualified for the Men's Indonesian Fertilizer Future 4 on Tuesday. Febi beat Japanese Jaime Higa 6- 1, 6-4 while Hendri defeated Jeffrey Viskovich of Australia 6-1, 6-4. (ivy/yan)