Sutiyoso accepts second place in PON<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): With an enormous difference in the 15th National
\nGames (PON) medal tally between defending champion Jakarta and
\nhost East Java, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso seemed able to accept
\nthe reality that the host would take the overall champion title.<\/p>\n
Sutiyoso said Wednesday he could understand if Jakarta had to
\nbow out to the host as many national athletes, who previously
\nresided in Jakarta, moved to other provinces especially East
\nJava.<\/p>\n
"Of course, I'm disappointed with the fact. It's difficult for
\nJakarta to trail East Java in the medal tally. But the most
\nimportant thing is all of our athletes have given their best and
\nmaximum efforts," he told The Jakarta Post at the City Hall.<\/p>\n
"We must also be aware that many national athletes have
\nmigrated especially to East Java. They are now evenly spread and
\nnot concentrated here only," he added.<\/p>\n
Jakarta is still in the second place with 104 golds, 73
\nsilvers and 82 bronzes. While host East Java clinches its
\ndomination by claiming 122 golds, 95 silvers and 103 bronzes.<\/p>\n
Sutiyoso, who also chairs the Indonesian Basketball
\nAssociation (Perbasi), gave an example of Jakarta women's
\nbasketball team.<\/p>\n
"East Java has eight national players while Jakarta only has
\ntwo," he said. "Similar things also happen in other sports
\nincluding cycling and gymnastics."<\/p>\n
When asked if the administration would give cash bonuses to
\nmedal-winning athletes, Sutiyoso only said it was being prepared.<\/p>\n
"Of course we'll provide cash bonuses for the medal-winning
\nathletes but I do not know the amount. We'll have to wait for
\nother provinces to give bonuses to their athletes."<\/p>\n
The administration will also give special condolences to
\nJakarta gymnast Jonathan Sianturi whose father was killed onboard
\nArgo Bromo Anggrek train bound for Jakarta from Surabaya.<\/p>\n
"We'll wait after PON is over to think what kind of attention
\nwill be given to the family. Our contingent will visit the
\nfamily, at least the gymnastics team will," Sutiyoso said.<\/p>\n
Jonathan won three gold medals in PON. (nvn)<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/sutiyoso-accepts-second-place-in-pon-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }