Korean Tae Kwon Do coach still possibility
Korean Tae Kwon Do coach still possibility
JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Tae Kwon Do Association is
considering whether or not to extend the contract of Korean coach
Oh Il-nam for the 13th Asian Games in Bangkok in December and
other events this year.
Ahmad Zarkasih, the association's secretary-general, said
Monday the association would hold a meeting with their
representatives and national coaches to discuss the Korean
coach's contract.
"We have not made a decision on the contract of the foreign
coach since we will have to hold a discussion first," Ahmad was
quoted by Antara as saying Monday.
The association had issued a eight-year contract with Oh Il-
nam as the coach of the national tae kwon do team. Under the
contract, Oh Il-nam has followed the development of martial arts
in Indonesia.
Ahmad said Oh Il-nam was keen to continue coaching in
Indonesia.
"He has no problem with the salary and only wants to devote
himself to tae kwon do in Indonesia. He is very close to the
athletes," Ahmad said.
The association has offered Oh Il-nam a monthly salary of Rp 4
million compared to the Rp 7 million he received during the 19th
SEA Games.
Oh Il-nam was chosen for his expertise in the field of tae
kwon do and his ability to foster a relationship between the
association and the Korean Tae Kwon Do Federation. Tae kwon do
originated in South Korea.
"We actually have good coaches who are capable of teaching tae
kwon do. They will also attend the meeting to be held after Idul
Fitri," Ahmad said.
Ahmad said the association had prepared 16 tae kwon do
athletes (eight men and eight women) for the Asian Games. The
final team will be decided following the results of the national
championships in Surabaya from March 23 to March 28.
He said that besides the Bangkok Games, Indonesia participates
in many tae kwon do tournaments including the 13th Asian
Championships in Vietnam (May 15-May 17), the World Cup in
Germany (June 5-June 7) and the 5th Southeast Asia Championships
in Yogyakarta (date not yet confirmed).
"We hope our athletes can participate in the overseas
tournaments. Of course, this depends on the funds," Ahmad said.
b(lnt)