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)