"For those who have a hobby of fighting in the streets, why not join self-defense or boxing clubs. Fighting in the streets, brawls, one neighborhood attacking another is not at all acts of gentlemen. It is also not blessed," he said when receiving two Indonesian boxers with high achievements in the State Palace compound.
President Yudhoyono said by being active in self-defense sports or boxing moreover if they could make an achievement at an international level they could even promote the country`s reputation.
"So actually facilities are available for those who like fighting or boxing. Certainly there are rules to follow there. They cannot just do what they like, stabbing here or there, that is not good," he said.
Through sports, he said their talent in fighting could be channeled in a sporting way.
On the occasion President Yudhoyono expressed his appreciation to the success made by Chris John and M Rachman who were recently able to retain their world titles although they have already reached more than thirty years old.
He said this only proved that age would not hinder someone to make an achievement.
"With high spirits one could still make an achievement despite of their old age. We cannot make a dichotomy between them. With either of them one could still make an achievement," he said.
Chris John at the age of 39 recently grabbed a mini-flyweight boxing world champion title from a Thai boxer.
On the occasion Chris told about his last fight against Daud "Cino" Yordan last week. He said he could win by points from Daud because he was more experienced.
Chris on the occasion expressed hope there would be more promoters in the country to boost boxing events in the country.
M Rachman meanwhile asked the government to give support to national boxers especially those who wish to fight abroad.
He admitted his team only consisted of four members when he left for Thailand recently.
"I left Blitar with one accompanying me and the two more joined in Jakarta," he said.
The meeting between the President lasted for an hour closed by a group photo. (*)
(H-YH/HAJM/a014)
Editor: Ruslan Burhani
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
