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)