Mixed emotions for RI men's beach volleyball
Mixed emotions for RI men's beach volleyball
Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Busan, South Korea
There was a contrast of emotions in the medals ceremony when
winners of the Busan 2002 Asian Games men's beach volleyball were
on stage at Haeundae beach on Friday.
The gold medalists Katsuhiro Shiratori and Satoshi Watanabe of
Japan and even bronze medalists Li Hua and Zhao Chicheng from
China were smiling and waving their flower bouquets and Duria
mascots to cheering spectators and clicking photographers.
Silver medalists Agus Salim and Koko Prasetyo Darkuncoro of
Indonesia, however, could not hide their disappointment by
wearing their sunglasses.
The Indonesia 1 team was beaten by Japan 1, 27-29, 17-21 after
being engaged in a tight see-saw match in the first set. The
second set became a somewhat one-sided affair as Koko and Agus
made too many unforced errors.
Veteran player Agus had his own reasons for disappointment, at
least two, to be in such a depressed mood.
Indonesia was expected to get its first gold medal at the 14th
Asiad from Agus and Koko.
"I am disappointed with the result but the Japanese team was
better than us," Agus said after the medals ceremony.
"They regularly participate in the international pro
tournaments. We don't have the luxury of such experiences."
Agus also said the Japanese team (ranked 42nd in the world)
was accustomed to high pressure matches acquired from their
frequent participation in international events.
"They faced our challenges easily, but we tried our best," he
said.
Meanwhile, Koko could not hide his deep disappointment or
bring himself to speak with journalists keeping his face covered
by a towel.
Another reason was something more than just the ambition to
grab the gold medal. They were trying to break a trend of
disappointment in which Indonesian volleyballers have failed to
get to the top of the podium three Asiads in a row, a bit like
the ignominious streak by Jamaican sprinter Merlene Ottey who was
dubbed by the media, "The Bronze Queen" for her inability to get
gold at major championships. Ironically, Indonesia was one of the
first Asian countries to play beach volleyball at a serious
level, once considered only a leisure activity rather than a
competitive sport.
In the first full medal participation at the Hiroshima '94
Asiad, Indonesia was beaten by host Japan and in Bangkok Asiad
four years ago, it was the Chinese standing atop the dais.
Agus first represented Indonesia at the 1998 Asiad.
Coach Slamet Mulyanto admitted that his boys lacked
international experience.
"Technically speaking, both team had equal skills and
strategy. But the Japanese got the breaks, because they have been
exposed to so many international events.
"That's why we must send them abroad in order to qualify for
the Athens 2004 Olympics."
The Indonesian Volleyball Association (PBVSI) plans to send
Agus and Koko abroad to participate on the world tour series in
an attempt to win a berth to the Athens 2004 Olympics.
"We expect to send them next April to the U.S. ahead of the
world tour series which usually starts in June," PBVSI chairwoman
Rita Subowo told reporters after the final match.
"We are confident that Agus and Koko still have the potential
for further increased achievement," she said.
Agus lamented Indonesia's lack of commitment to the
development of beach volleyball.
"Indonesia and Japan started at about the same time but it
seems that we have been left behind," said Agus.
"The Japanese coach used to be my opponent. But now I am still
playing and he has his own boys. Where are our young players?"
Agus suggested PBVSI to hold more tournaments at home and send
more teams abroad to foster young talent.
Meanwhile, Rita also said PBVSI would ask Agus to stay on the
national team until Athens despite Agus' threat to retire because
of the lack of commitment by Indonesian authorities.
"I can't make a living with beach volleyball. We have yet to
reach a professional stage here," said Agus.
"Japanese players can earn their living just by playing the
sport."