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)