SEA Games organizers dismiss gender protest in volleyball

Screengrab from SEA Games website.

SINGAPORE—An Indonesian female volleyballer whose gender was questioned says she will use the protest to play even better at the Southeast Asian Games.

Philippines delegation leader Julian Camacho lodged a protest against the gender eligibility of Aprilia Santini Manganang, who scored a team-high 13 points in helping Indonesia beat the Philippines 3-0 in the opening game.

SEA Games organizers said on Wednesday their medical committee reviewed documents submitted by the Indonesian volleyball federation, and the appeal was subsequently rejected.

READ: PH execs ask SEA Games to conduct gender test on Indonesian volley player

“This gives me extra motivation to do well, and to perform even better in the upcoming matches,” Aprilia said in comments translated from Bahasa Indonesia. “The most important thing is I’m able to perform to the best of my abilities in an honest way. That is my responsibility, and that’s all I can give and that can be asked of me.”

Aprilia said she hoped her family wouldn’t be upset about the protest making news in the region.

“My parents are honest people, and they are the best in the world—I’m sure there is no problems,” she said. “When this issue came up, I wasn’t in contact with my parents, perhaps they have heard about this in the news, and I have become the focus. While I’m here (in Singapore) I’m sure they are not affected by this issue.”