West Java dominates fencing c'ships

West Java dominates fencing c'ships

JAKARTA (JP): The West Java contingent proved its dominance at
the national fencing championships which ended on Saturday,
winning the junior and senior division titles.

West Java was awarded the Minister of National Education Cup
after collecting 315 points in the junior division, while its 410
points in the senior division earned the team the National Sports
Council (KONI) Cup.

Meanwhile, North Sulawesi won the overall title in the cadet
division with 140 points, winning the Widarsa Cup.

In the final medal tally, West Java collected six gold, five
silver and nine bronze. North Sulawesi grabbed four gold, four
silver and five bronze.

The championships started last Sunday and consisted of 17
events.

West Java also showed its power by having the most athletes of
any team selected for the Kuala Lumpur 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA)
Games national team preparations. From 20 nominees in five
fencing events, West Java placed eight fencers.

"Our secret is simply the unity of fencers, coaches and
officials to achieve the best at these championships," West Java
team manager Hadi Sartono told The Jakarta Post.

Meanwhile, West Java coach Sucipto said the excellent result
was the fruit of systematic development and training implemented
by West Java officials.

Indonesian Fencing Association (Ikasi) chairman
Widarsadipradja told the Post that fencing had been developed
more effectively outside Jakarta.

"There are to many diversions here, so young people are not
interested in learning fencing. It's different in other regions
where the fencers can have better concentration," he said.

"It's just too bad that some provinces like Aceh and Maluku
are in turmoil, because they have good fencers." (nvn)