Indonesian volleyball player Aprilia Santini Manganang has been singled out by the Philippines for her appearance and powerful physique. They have demanded that the SEA Games organisers carry out a gender test on her. Photo: www.seagames2015.com
Despite the Indonesian female volleyball team crushing Philippines 3 sets to nil at the SEA Games in Singapore today, the spotlight never really moved away from star player Aprilia Santi Manganang.
Aprilia, whose strength and physique prompted the Philippines volleyball team to demand that she go through a gender test, scored a game-high 13 points for Indonesia.
Aprilia said she’s not paying attention to the controversy surrounding her.
“I’m used to facing this kind of situation. I’ve experienced this same problem when I played in Proliga (Indonesia’s professional volleyball league). But, as long as I’m right, I’m not afraid. I’ll keep moving forward,” Aprilia said after the game, as quoted by Metro TV today.
During the game, Aprilia said she heard insults coming from Filipino supporters in the stands.
“All the insults actually spurred me on to give my best,” she said.
The SEA Games organisers have so far decided not to conduct a gender test on Aprilia.
Indonesia and the Philippines were placed together in Pool B of the SEA Games female volleyball tournament. Their meeting today was the first game both teams played in the competition.
