KONI regrets coach brawl incident

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)