C. Java aims to retain nat'l title

SEMARANG (JP): Central Java aims to retain the overall champion title in the National Junior Track and Field Championships in Jakarta from Nov. 15 to Nov. 18.

Central Java topped the medal standing last year after collecting 11 gold medals. Central Java coach Bambang Siswoyo said the province wanted to obtain no less than 11 this year.

"Our athletes are ready to put up an all-out fight and we want to defend the title. We have trained the athletes very hard for this purpose," he said.

The athletes are Ade Jari and Sri Puji in shot put, A Setyowati and Muhtadi in javelin throws, Prakoso Aji and Dwi Ratnawati in the discus throw, Reza Wijayanti in the walking event, Yatin Saputra in 200m and 400m dash and M. Muji in the 5km and 10km run.

Bambang said the toughest challengers would come from Jakarta, West Java and East Java. (har)