RI boxers to start Asiad program soon

Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association (Pertina) has named eight boxers for next year's Asian Games in Pusan, South Korea with intensive training expected to begin no later than early December.

Pertina's vice secretary general Didit Soedijoto said on Thursday that in accordance with National Sports Council (KONI) training guidelines, the pugilists would be divided into two groups based on their past achievements and medal winning potential.

"The top listed boxers will be given training privileges compared to their non-priority teammates, such as overseas stints," he said.

Didit said Pertina had put middleweight Hendrik Simangunsong, lightwelterweight Bara Gomies and lightweight Bonyx Saweho at the top of the list. However, Hendrik would be dropped for failing to turn up for the national championships in the West Sumatra capital of Padang last week, Didit added.

"Pertina is waiting for KONI's approval of Hendrik's replacement," Didit said. He refused to disclose the substitute.

Didit also kept the identity of the remaining five boxers a secret, pending KONI's endorsement of their inclusion in the team.

"But I can assure you that they have achieved a lot and have a bright future.

"This is important because we are also carrying out a long- term program of developing young talents," he added.

Didit also said Cuban coach Carlos Jesus Pennate Torres would manage the training program for the Asian Games. He will be assisted by national coach Wellem Gomies, who will focus on the top boxers.

Wellem will take over while Torres takes a one-month break from Dec. 15.

"I don't think it will be a big problem as both coaches have worked together before. Pertina has yet to name the other coaches to handle the second group of boxers."

KONI has announced that it would only prepare athletes from 20 sports, including boxing, for the Asiad, citing the event's high -level competitiveness.

Other than boxing, the sports are archery, badminton, beach volleyball, billiards, bodybuilding, canoeing, cycling, gymnastics, judo, karate, rowing, sailing, shooting, swimming, tae kwon do, tennis, track and field, weightlifting and wushu.

The requirements include being finalists at the Kuala Lumpur 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in September, ranked among the top five in Asia or being recipients of the Olympics Solidarity grant.

All eight boxers are expected to pass a physical test which will be conducted by KONI on Jan. 20.