RI delays boxers' trip to Hungary

JAKARTA (JP): Lack of funds has forced Indonesia to postpone its plan to send boxers to the world championships in Hungary, from Oct. 18 to Oct. 26.

National boxing coach Ferry Moniaga said Tuesday: "This has been decided by the Indonesian Boxing Association."

"Apart from the lack of funds, the plan was also postponed because none of the boxers made a good showing at the Asian meet in Kuala Lumpur in early September," Antara quoted Ferry as saying.

He said five boxers were sent to the Asian meet, but only Damianus Jordan won a medal. He took a bronze in the 48-kilogram lightweight division.

Samsul Bahri (51kg), Martin Sihombing (54kg), Victor Ramos (57kg) and Sonny Rambing (60kg), failed to capture any medals.

"We did not send our top boxers to the Asian meet, only our second rate boxers.

"It is rather difficult to send top boxers to international competitions because they are concentrating on the coming 19th SEA Games," he said.

Indonesia has sent 11 top amateur boxers to train in Cuba until early October, as part of their preparations for the Games. (lnt)