President Cup to be held in Bogor in July

JAKARTA (JP): Bogor has been selected as the site for the President Cup boxing championship scheduled from July 20 to July 26.

Didiet Sudijoto, secretary-general of the Indonesian Boxing Association (Pertina), said Tuesday that the town in West Java was chosen based on its successful hosting of the Gold Glove championship earlier this month.

"Pertina's West Java office supported the selection of Bogor and will help in any way to make the tournament a success," Didiet said.

Didiet said holding the President Cup in Bogor would be far cheaper than holding it in Jakarta, where it has been held traditionally. "Holding it in Bogor should cost around Rp 400 million, whereas it would have cost around Rp 600 million in Jakarta."

He added that the popularity of the Gold Glove meet served as a barometer for the upcoming championship.

"The West Java office was confident it could attract many spectators to the President Cup provided it has enough time to prepare," Didiet said.

Before the championship takes place, Didiet said an organizing committee would be set up. "After the committee is set up, then we will look for sponsorship."

Some 30 countries are expected to take part in the one-week championship, including the USA, Cuba, Mexico, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Samoa, South Korea, North Korea, China, Japan, Mongolia, Pakistan, India and countries from ASEAN.

"We will send invitations to the countries as we are limited to 80 boxers," Didiet said. (lnt)