PBVSI to host two international tournaments
Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The Volleyball Association of Indonesia (PBVSI) announced on Wednesday that it would host two international tournaments in 2004.
PBVSI chairperson Rita Subowo said that Indonesia would host the 2004 Women's World Grand Prix in July and Under 185 centimeters (U-85) International Men's Championships in October. Both will be held in Jakarta.
PBVSI also unveiled the plan to stage three national championships in 2004: the Proliga tournament from April to June, the Inter Club tourney in August and the Premier league in October.
Host cities for the three tournaments have not yet been decided.
Some of the tournaments will coincide with the campaign period for the elections.
As such, security could be a concern. But Rita said that it would not be a problem.
"As the host, we will definitely heed our guests' safety during their stay in the country. If it was deemed that the situation was not conducive for a tournament, we would certainly give them prior warning and would not hesitate to cancel the event if necessary," said Rita.
The World Beach Volleyball Championship in Bali last year was overshadowed by the aftermath of the JW Marriott bombing in Jakarta, which prompted the withdrawal of some participants.
However, the fact that the championship proceeded as planned, according to Rita, was an indication that security fears had not disrupted the schedule and that should augur well for the next tournaments.
"The (events following the) Marriott bombing show that an international sporting event could continue undisturbed," she said after signing an agreement with local cigarette-maker PT H.M. Sampoerna.
The company will be the main sponsor for the two international and three national events, as well as a partner in the development of local volleyball.
According to Rita, with international events at home, national teams would have a great opportunity to improve themselves in the buildup for the 2006 Asian Games in Doha.
Speaking further about plans for the Asian Games, she said the national team would take part in the World Tour series.
PBVSI is looking to hire a coach from China, who would start training the women's team in May.
"Hopefully, the women's team will be strong enough to win a medal in the Asian Games," she said.