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