RI faces tough rowing qualifier<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Asian countries whose names end with -stan stand
\nbetween Indonesia and a place in the Olympic kayaking
\ncompetition, according to Indonesian Rowing Association chairman
\nBasoeki.<\/p>\n
The countries -- Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan,
\nTadzhikistan and Kyrghizstan -- are known for their world-
\nstandard competitors. The former Soviet Union republics, together
\nwith traditional powerhouses China, Japan and South Korea, are
\nexpected to dominate the first round of the Olympic rowing
\nqualifiers for Asian countries in Katamatsu, Japan, from May 11
\nto 12.<\/p>\n
"It would not be that difficult for us if we were only to take
\non China, Japan and South Korea," Basoeki was quoted by Antara as
\nsaying yesterday.<\/p>\n
Due to the presence of the former Soviet republics, however,
\nBasoeki said, "the good preparations our team has made may not be
\nenough to overcome these nations."<\/p>\n
The two-day meet will feature rowing and kayaking events.<\/p>\n
Basoeki said Indonesia's best chance to qualify for the
\nAtlanta Olympics lies in the men's 500m kayak pairs and in the
\nmen's 500m kayak fours. These two events are where Indonesians
\nparticularly excel, he said.<\/p>\n
Basoeki added, he would insist during the meet in Katamatsu
\nthat kayaking should be contested at the 1998 Asian Games in
\nBangkok.<\/p>\n
Only the top two finishers in each event in Katamatsu will be
\nawarded the coveted Olympic places.<\/p>\n
Indonesian kayakers took part in the Olympic Games for the
\nfirst time in Barcelona, Spain, in 1992, but returned home empty
\nhanded. (arf)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ri-faces-tough-rowing-qualifier-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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