National boxers to fight in Teheran

JAKARTA (JP): Selected national boxers being groomed for the 19th SEA Games, are scheduled to take part in a tournament in Iran next month.

The Indonesian Boxing Association's secretary-general, Didiet Sudijoto, said Wednesday that the association is to send three boxers to the tournament, which is to be staged from Feb. 14 to Feb. 21.

"We have proposed to fly three boxers to Teheran but the association's chairman has yet to decide their names," he said.

The association is also to send its six boxers to the Young- Men Christian Association in New Delhi from March 5 to March 11.

The six boxers are Syamsul Siregar (48kgs), Martin Sihombing (51kgs), Dufri Masihor (54kgs), Willem Papilaya (60kgs), Bara Gomies (67kgs) and Albert Papilaya (81kgs). They will be accompanied by coaches Ferry Moniaga and Wim Gomies.

"At the same time, we will send our six juniors to take part in the Adajania Cup junior boxing championship in New Delhi," Didiet said.

The six junior boxers, whose age are below 19, are Yohanis Novi (45kgs), Yulianto (48kgs), Gonzales (51kgs), Agus Prayitno (54kgs), Ryandy Sachlan (57kgs), dan Stevy Binalay (67kgs).

Indonesia's boxers are also invited to take part in the King's Cup in Bangkok from April 5 to April 11.

"We also decided to send athletes to the King's Cup although we have yet to name them. But we'll send our top boxers because this is a very prestigious tournament," Didiet said.

Antara reported that the association has a very tight amateur tournament schedule this year.

"The association stages and takes part in boxing tournament every month," Didiet said.

However, the association is still focusing on the boxing centralized training program for the Games in Jakarta and Bogor, West Java.

The country's squad is expected to undergo an overseas stint in Cuba in August and September before the Games here in October. (yan)