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."