Loudry not ready to call time on career in volleyball

Moch. N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

Although Loudry Maspaitella's first sporting love was soccer, it's in volleyball that he has made his name.

"I loved playing soccer when I was a child and I still do, but my father guided me to play volleyball," the 36 year old said of his father, a former professor in sports science in Surabaya.

"Then I knew that I could play volleyball very well thanks to my father."

Sport was in Loudry's genes, for his parents had met when both were in national training for the 1962 Asian Games and his elder sister, Henny, is a former national sprint champion and coach.

Loudry was called up for his debut on the national team in 1986 at 17. He played a pivotal role as his country won gold at the 1989, 1991, 1993, 1997 and 2003 Southeast (SEA) Games, opting out of the 1999 and 2001 Games due to study commitments.

At the national club level, Loudry helped now defunct Petrogress to Livokarya national championship titles from 1990 to 1994.

Even today, 20 years on from his youth, the outstanding technique that led him to being called one of Asia's best tossers is still apparent as he captains Jakarta 46 BNI in the Sampoerna Hijau Proliga Volleyball Championship 2005.

Wearing the number 9 jersey and standing 185 cms and 70 kg, he led his team to four straight victories before going down to tournament leader Jakarta Monas Bank DKI in Jakarta.

He was magnanimous in defeat, saying that the team always fought to the end.

"Despite the tight schedule we had, we must have a big heart to accept the defeat," he said.

"We are optimistic that we could exact revenge in the future."

The event returns to Jakarta on April 15-17.

Although he still appears fit, he said his days on the national team were over.

"I think I will play at club level only as I have enough contribution to the national team. Let the younger players do their best for Indonesia."

The father of three sees a bright future for men's volleyball in the country, with taller players who possess better technique. Indonesia won the U-185 World Volleyball Championship last year at home.

"For the men, I am still optimistic that we can advance in Asia, but for the women, it is quite difficult as we have been left too far behind by other countries."

For the future, Loudry -- an employee of Jakarta 46 BNI -- wants to work and raise his family.

"I do not think I will become a volleyball coach, I have no talent in coaching."

Thanks to his father's advice all those years ago, he has enjoyed a career full of golden moments.

"Winning tournaments, gold medals in SEA Games and traveling to various countries gave me a wonderful time in volleyball."

"They will remain in my mind."