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Wed, 07 Oct 1998

JP/RI karate experts want overseas training in Japan

RI karate experts want overseas training in Japan

JAKARTA (JP): National karate experts being groomed for the 13th Asian Games in Bangkok in December have urged the National Sports Council to send them for training in Japan.

Coach Willem Mantiri told council chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar on Tuesday that the overseas training stint was needed to improve the athletes' fighting spirit in their build up to the Asiad, in which they hope to capture at least one gold medal.

Willem said an overseas trip could be arranged after the World Karate Federation championships in Brazil later this month.

The Indonesian Karate Association is grooming Isfan Tanjung, Umar Syarif, Arief Taufan and Novilus Yofu for the men's kumite (fighting) discipline, Nilawati Daud and Sandra Ariani for the women's kumite, Omita Olga Ompi for the women's kata (martial arts performance) and Abdullah Kadir for the men's kata.

Asian Games silver medalist Omita echoed her coach, saying: "We only spar with our teammates. It would be different if we could practice with Japanese athletes, who are better than us. It would motivate us to take our training more seriously."

But Wismoyo appeared reluctant to meet their demand and asked them to reconsider.

"If you train in Japan, I think your Japanese rivals would learn how to beat you in the Asiad. A spell overseas could also prevent you from reaching peak form in time for the Asiad, which is only few weeks away," he said.

"But if training in Japan is your best option, then I have to support you."

The Asian Games will take place in Bangkok from Dec. 6 to Dec. 20.

Willem said the world karate championships would serve as his team's last warm up before the Asiad.

"We have not set any targets for the world championships because our athletes will not have hit peak form by that time," he said as quoted by Antara.

The council is expecting the karate team to win one gold, two silvers and three bronze medals at the Asiad. In the previous meet in Hiroshima four years ago, Indonesia won three silver medals and two bronze. (yan)