Badminton players sweep KONI awards

Badminton players sweep KONI awards

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Sports Council (KONI) has presented Satya Karya Bhakti awards to four outstanding athletes in a ceremony to commemorate the council's anniversary.

KONI chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar personally presented the awards Wednesday night to shuttlers Susi Susanti, Rexy Mainaky and Ricky Subagdja, and powerlifter Sutrisno.

Awards were also given to three coaches, Imron Rosadi (weightlifting), Atik Jauhari and Christian Hadinata (both for badminton).

Apart from the athletes and coaches, the council rewarded four sports organization chairmen, Soesilo Soedarman (weightlifting), Soerjadi (badminton), Eddie M. Nalapraya (pencak silat) and Basoeki (rowing).

Badminton referee Julius Tetelepta, private TV network ANteve, the tabloid Bola and Citibank, were also presented with awards for their contributions in their respective fields.

Meanwhile, Joko Pramono, head of the national training center committee, said all athletes' training for the coming SEA Games should get support from KONI's regional offices.

"The role of the regional offices is important since many athletes who are training for the Jakarta Games come from the regions. Support from the regions does not necessarily need to be in the form of funds, it could be moral support," Joko said.

He also called on KONI regional offices to help athletes settle their personal problems, including their schooling, family matters and work which they may have to miss due to the training.

Joko thanked officials at KONI's regional offices for understanding problems faced by the training center committee. "The officials will help us overcome any matters arising during the training," he said. (lnt)