RI's taekwondo contingent comes home empty-handed

Members of the Indonesian taekwondo team had to pack their bags Thursday and return home early after failing to progress to the fourth round of the University Olympiad (Universiade) in Belgrade, Serbia.

This year, Indonesia is participating in archery and taekwondo, two of the 15 sports on offer. The team comprises students from six universities in Java and East Kalimantan.

"Our athletes met tough opposition from dominating countries, like China and South Korea, in the third round, None of them reached the fourth round," team manager Marhot Harahap told The Jakarta Post.

Competing in the 67-72-kilogram women's division, Selviana J. Rosok lost to South Korea's Oh Nye Ri. Selviana had been touted a medal hopeful, having won silver at last year's pre-Universiade in Belgrade.

But like teammates Julius Fernando, Eka Sahara and Fransiska Valentina, Selviana had to bow out.

"Considering the fierce competition, particularly the excellent performances by Thailand's team when they faced tough opponents from China and the US, I have to admit I'm a bit worried about our prospects for the SEA *Southeast Asian* Games," Marhot said.

Things were not rosy either for the archery team, with almost all the athletes finishing in the lower ranks in the qualification round.

As of Thursday evening, before the elimination round, Farisah Asfarina ranked 17th, Dellie Threesyadinda 32nd and Weny Trisyanto 33rd out of 36 athletes in the women's individual compound.

In the men's section, I Gusti Nyoman Puruhito ranked 14, Kuswantoro 34th and Fanny Andyanto 39th out of 44.

Indonesia won three bronze medals at the last event in 2007. The event, also known as the World University Games, concludes Sunday.