Oka aims for a repeat gold in Busan

Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Busan, South Korea

Winning an international title is the ultimate goal for most athletes, and even more special if one can repeat as champion. It is also the main ambition for Indonesian windsurfer I Gusti Made Oka Sulaksana at the 2002 Asian Games (Asiad) in Busan, which will kick off Sunday.

As the reigning champion in the heavyweight mistral-one-design class, Balinese native Oka dreams of defending his title earned in 1998 in Pattaya, Thailand.

But ambition does not always go smoothly.

Oka -- who along with teammate Fadly Faisal arrived here on Sept. 7 -- must compete without their coach Bruce Kendall of New Zealand.

"It's very bad that Kendall could not be here during the races as we definitely need his evaluation," Oka said, referring to the 1996 Atlanta Olympic gold medalist and the designer of mistral boards.

"Kendall is also very familiar with the situation at Haeundae beach here. His presence will be a great deal for us in competing against our rivals," the windsurfer said after a practice session.

But there's nothing they can do as the National Olympic Committee (KONI) had announced earlier that they would only pay Kendall for two weeks of coaching.

Complaining over the issue will not do Oka any good, as he had often requested a foreign coach, only to get KONI's reply of "financial difficulties".

Oka pointed to the trouble factors that might need Kendall's expertise which included the wind and wave currents in the venue that change constantly.

"Usually the current comes from behind pushing the board. The problem is added by wind which sometimes disappears. Perhaps these problems were caused by Busan's hilly geography.

"But I am still trying to master both the wave and wind currents to know the venue better," he said.

Technical factors are not Oka's main concern. Lack of attention from KONI officials also put a burden on his shoulders.

"Fadly and I always feel abandoned. So far, no officials are available here to accompany us.

With a touch of envy, Oka pointed to the two Myanmar windsurfers who get full support from their 11 sports officials. Each windsurfer has a team of trainers and people working on getting the board just right for the conditions.

"It's quite a contrast as Fadly and I must do everything on our own."

Only one person, manager Gurhadi Kartasasmita is slated to arrive here Sunday morning.

Oka didn't achieve his current position easily. He began windsurfing at the age of 13, thanks to father Rake Adi who was a surfing instructor before Oka was even born.

Seeing his son's talent, Rake taught Oka to surf though later he opposed his son's will to become a full-time windsurfer. Just like many fathers in Indonesia, Rake wanted Oka to go to university.

But Oka managed to wipe out his father's doubts by collecting many titles in international events topped by 1998 Asiad gold medal after a panel of judges sustained his protests over an alleged violation committed by Kenjo Motokazu of Japan in the penultimate stage.

As the country's veteran windsurfer, Oka wants to see his younger compatriots following his steps. But again, he was disappointed on the fact that the Indonesian Yachting and Windsurfing Association failed to recruit younger athletes and KONI's decision to only send older athletes to the Asiad only to grab medals.

"Other countries, especially from the Southeast Asian countries, send their young prospects to give them valuable international experience.

"Some are even here to be practice partners for the veterans. But experiencing a major sports event like this will be a great asset for their career development," he said.

Oka was sure that several young Southeast Asian windsurfers would dominate at the 2003 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Vietnam after gaining the experience here, but Indonesia probably would not be one of them because they have not sent any young talent.

"KONI should have given chances for the younger guys to compete in multisports events like this to foster and develop them."

Born in Denpasar on April 23, 1971, Oka is married to Made Dwi Arini and has one daughter, Gusti Ayu Chandra Pertiwi. He is also beginning to do some coaching much like his father did.

"I'm doing this to find young talented athletes and I don't do it (coaching) for money," said Oka, who runs a small windsurfing shop to support his family.

"I want my students to be disciplined. I hate when they come late and I usually punish them by making them stay out in the water for hours."

For Oka, windsurfing is not merely a hobby but a career.

"Windsurfing has always been with me since my childhood. I don't intend to switch to another sport or job should I be offered."

Being a defending champion at the Asiad has made him hungrier to repeat.

"I never want to give up. I will always look for victories."