Rookies try out in water polo nationals

Rookies try out in water polo nationals

MEDAN, North Sumatra: The second national under-17 water polo
tournament for rookies is being held here before the nationals
begin on Friday, with players vying for a spot on the national
junior squad.

Teams from West Java, Jambi, South Sumatra, Jakarta, West
Sumatra and the hosts are competing in the three-day event, which
began on Tuesday. North Sumatra and Jakarta, the respective
champion and runner-up at the 2004 junior nationals, are tipped
as favorites.

Chief of the water polo technical committee for the Indonesian
Swimming Association, H.T. Bustaman, said on Tuesday the event
was intended to popularize the sport among all ages.

The event is part of the selection for the national team for
the Asia Aquatic Age Group Championships from August 18 to 22 in
Bangkok."

The event will be followed by the senior nationals. Players
from six teams will compete for a place on the national team for
the 2005 Southeast Asian Games in November in Manila. -- JP