Semarang to hold volleyball c'ships

SEMARANG (JP): The Indonesian Volleyball Association (PBVSI) will stage the PBVSI Cup national junior championships here from March 25 through April 1.

Secretary of the PBVSI's Central Java chapter Sofyan T. Dolo told reporters on Wednesday that the Central Java team was ready to retain its men's title in the competition, which used to be called the Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana Cup in honor of the PBVSI's former chairwoman.

Jakarta took the women's title last year.

"Central Java is ready to defend its title by fielding the Apacinti club's men's team from Ungaran. Meanwhile, we are still selecting the women players," Sofyan said.

"I expect tough challenges from the Jakarta, East Java and West Java teams. The teams from South Sumatra, South Sulawesi and Yogyakarta could also pose some problems," he added.

Sofyan was speaking on the sidelines of a ceremony in which the PBVSI's official in charge of tournaments Thaher Ali handed the new cup over to the chairman of the PBVSI's Central Java chapter, Djaja Atmadja, here on Wednesday. (har)