3 sports yet to start SEA Games training

JAKARTA (JP): Three sports organizations have yet to start their national training programs, despite the limited time to prepare athletes for the next SEA Games here next year.

Joko Pramono, the training director, said Wednesday the heads of basketball, shooting and soccer associations have hinted they would begin their programs in January.

Eight of 34 sports, including the above-mentioned three, had not begun their programs by the end of November. But five of them -- including tennis, karate and squash -- began their programs this week.

"All organizations are facing problems in conducting the program. They have to deal with the athletes' study and work schedules," Joko said.

He said each sports organization has to approach athletes' schools and offices to solve the problem.

Joko said he would encourage Moslem athletes, who will soon be observing the month of fasting (Ramadhan), to keep practicing.

"We should motivate them to keep practicing instead of delaying the training session," he said.

Antara reported that Indonesia is to send 600 athletes to the Games, which is scheduled to be staged from Oct. 11 to Oct. 19.

Joko said the training program must work within the Rp 35 billion (US$14.8 million) budget, despite rumors the budget will be increased to almost twice that amount. (yan)