C. Java to send 17 swimmers to PON

C. Java to send 17 swimmers to PON

SEMARANG (JP): Central Java is training 17 swimmers for the
15th National Games (PON) in Surabaya, East Java, from June 19 to
June 30.

Coach Hartardi Nurtjahja said on Tuesday the provincial sports
council had targeted four swimming gold medals at the Games. "We
want to finish second after Jakarta; hopefully we can outclass
Jakarta. The swimmers told me they are ready for the
competition."

Hartardi said his team would face a tough challenge from the
swimmers from Jakarta, West Java, Jambi and East Java.

"We have top women's swimmers in store to win gold, such as
Audi Oktavian, Ati Yuliani and Meitri W. Pangestika. They are the
backbones of the provincial team," he said. Ati and Meitri took
part in the 1999 Southeast Asian Games in Brunei.

The two swimmers are expected to take gold in the 100 meter
and 200m breaststroke, and the 50m and 100m freestyle and relay
events.

On the men's side, Hartardi said Doni Utomo could contribute
gold medals in the 100m breaststroke and freestyle events.(har)