Pertina might train in Hungary

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association (Pertina) is considering holding its centralized training program for the 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Hungary.

The games will be held in Kuala Lumpur.

"The training program will be similar to the previous program in Cuba where our boxers have to stay in the country for several months," Pertina's deputy secretary general, Didiet Sudijoto, told reporters Thursday.

"Our main concern is the cost. We can only afford to pay US$40 in fees per boxer per day. It's similar to the rate charged by Cuba."

Didiet said actually Uzbekistan offered better programs for Indonesian boxers but their rates were higher, $50 per athlete.

"Although the boxers will be training abroad, our coaches will be closely monitoring them."

Indonesia plans to send 11 boxers to compete in all weight classes in the Games. About 30 boxers are currently being groomed at the training center in Ragunan, South Jakarta

Didiet also said one boxer had quit the training, while five others were still absent.

Pieter Ulin, competing in the lightweight class, is unable to take leave from his job in a Semarang-based private company. While Raja Amas Siregar from North Sumatra will join the training center in January. He is waiting for the arrival of his first baby. Teammate Hendrik Simangunsong is waiting for his paper work to be completed by Pertina's North Sumatra chapter. (nvn)