Persani prefers Russia for rhythmic gymnasts

Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

The Indonesian Gymnastics Association (Persani) is pushing for its rhythmic gymnasts to train in Russia instead of China, fearing the latter country may be loath to part with technical expertise to a regional sporting rival.

Persani's head of daily operations Asnawi Nasution said on Friday that he worried China might selectively withhold some training because the countries' gymnasts would compete in the Asian Games and other regional competitions.

"So it's better to train our gymnasts in Russia," he told reporters after attending a meeting of National Sports Council (KONI) chairman Agum Gumelar with seven artistic gymnasts set to leave on March 1 for Romania for a two-year training program.

He assumed that KONI -- which would select the country -- understood the dilemma, but added that he would accept whatever decision it made.

"Pak (Mr.) Agum will go to China in the middle of this month, so he might decide after the visit to China," he said at KONI headquarters in Senayan, Central Jakarta.

China is an emerging regional powerhouse in the sport, and has hired coaches from leading countries, such as Russia, the Ukraine and Bulgaria, in its effort to shine at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Russia won the rhythmic all-round event at the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympics.

Leaving next Tuesday are men's gymnasts M. Tri Saputra, 13, of Riau, Melyusi Adeputra, 17, of Lampung, Pramu Nur Imam, 18, of East Java, and Endriadi, 21, of Jakarta, as well as women's athletes Dewi Prahara, 19, of Riau, Nefi Nurbaeti, 11, of Jakarta and Riri Wulandari, 16, of West Sumatra.

Windi Yofilia, 15, of Jambi, Cici Mitasari, 18, and Natalia, 17, both of Jakarta, are the rhythmic gymnasts who will train abroad.

The goal of the overseas training is to improve the country's chances at the 2005 Southeast Asian Games in Manila in November and the Asian Games next year.

Agum told the visiting gymnasts on Friday that they would experience homesickness during their first month abroad, but they must persevere in their training.

"We have never sent gymnasts overseas for such a long period. So use this chance to improve your skills and make the Indonesian people proud of you," he said.

Gymnast Dewi vowed to live up to the challenge.

"Thank's to Pak Agum for sending us to Romania. It is a rare chance for us, so we are very committed to training hard and getting the best results."