RI boxers to take on Thais in SEA Games

RI boxers to take on Thais in SEA Games

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia gears up for an upbeat challenge against Thailand's foreseeable dominance in the Southeast Asian Games in Chiang Mai in December.

"Playing before their home crowd, Thai boxers are out to haul in as many gold medals as they can. But we're ready to stave them off, at least stealing some golds," executive chairman of the Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association (Pertina) Imron ZS said upon giving cash bonuses to national best boxers yesterday.

Pertina has started grooming boxers who will form the backbone of the national team. Cuban coach Isidoro Trutman helps national coach Ferry Moniaga sort out members the squad. The centralized training program for the Games is scheduled to start early next month.

"We will do our best at the Games since the National Sports Council has set a fixed target of retaining our overall title in the Games," said Imron.

Pertina awarded yesterday six pugilists, who performed commendably in the recent outings in Karachi, New Delhi and Chiang Mai.

Light flyweight Hermensen Ballo topped the earning list with Rp 2.5 million (US$1,136) for his gold in the King's Cup in Chiang Mai and his silver he won in Karachi. Flyweight Rachman Kili-kili trailed with Rp 1.5 million ($681) after taking a silver and a bronze in his two international outings.

A gold medalist received Rp 1.5 million ($681), a silver medalist Rp 1 million ($455) and a bronze medalist Rp 500,000 ($227). (amd)