Two Asiad windsurfers to enter world championship in Canada

JAKARTA (JP): Abdul Malik Syafei and Oka Sulaksana, two windsurfers groomed for the 12th Asian Games in Hiroshima next October, will participate in the upcoming windsurfing world championship in Canada on Aug. 25 as part of their training.

"The Canada event will be important to study the performance of other Asian surfers," said national coach Raymond Kotambunan on Thursday.

The national squad for the Asiad consists of Malik, the board race specialist, Oka, in the mistral one number, and Adi Yuliawan and Monica, who have not yet decided.

Oka and Malik will be accompanied by surfers Micky Sampelan and Ktut Hartana in the Canada meet.

Because the deadline set by the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) falls on Aug. 12, Raymond and the officials of the Association of Windsurfers of Indonesia (Porlasi) are prepared to sacrifice their Asiad tickets if the performance in Canada turns to be a letdown.

"We will not be push for KONI if we perform poorly," Raymond said.

Oka and Malik recently prevailed in their specialities in an Asia-Pacific championship in Penang, Malaysia in March.

At that time, Oka won a surprise victory by defeating world number one Bruce Kendall from New Zealand.

Meanwhile, on a separate occasion, officials from the Indonesian Association of Fencing (Ikasi) also stated that they are willing to drop their Asiad tickets if they do not perform as expected in the Thailand Open on Aug.16. (hdj)