PABBSI names seven lifters for Olympics

Eva C. Komandjaja Jakarta

The Indonesian Weightlifting, Powerlifting and Bodybuilding Association (PABBSI) revealed on Saturday the names of the seven weightlifters who will take part in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

Indonesia was assured of seven entries -- four men and three women -- at the Olympics after the men's team finished 18th and the women's in 11th place at the World Weightlifting Championships in Vancouver, Canada, in November 2003.

PABBSI deputy secretary-general Sonny Tobing said that the men's squad comprised Sunarto, Gustar Yunianto (62-kilogram division), Jadi Setiadi (56-kg) and Erwin Abdullah (69-kg).

The women are Padmawati (58-kg), Rosmainar (48-kg) and 2000 silver medalist Lisa Rumbewas (53-kg).

The seven lifters won their places in the Indonesian team based on the results of two series of national qualifying matches in Lampung and Jakarta in May.

Discussing Indonesia's medal target, Sonny said that PABBSI was not specifying anything in particular, although he acknowledged that the women might have a better chance.

"We hope that Lisa can win at least a medal in Athens although the 53-kg division is new to her," He told The Jakarta Post here on Saturday.

"She won her silver medal in Sydney when she was still in the 48-kg division," Sonny said.

According to Sonny, a medal might be expected from Lampung- based Jadi Setiadi, given that the men's 56-kg division would not see competition as tough as in the others.

He said that Chinese lifters would be almost invincible.

"We are sure the gold medals in both men's and women's will be taken by Chinese lifters," he said.

"Therefore, Indonesia will be content to fight for second or third place against rivals from Europe and America," he added.

The seven lifters are among Indonesia's 38 Olympic hopefuls in 13 sports.