Candra, coaches get cash bonus

BANDUNG (JP): Indonesian Olympic gold medalist Candra Wijaya, who together with partner Tony Gunawan won the men's doubles badminton gold in Sydney, received a Rp 25 million (US$2,880) cash bonus from West Java Governor R. Nuriana and the province council chairman Eka Santosa Monday.

Men's doubles coach Herry Imam Pierngadi and badminton head coach Christian Hadinata also received Rp 10 million each.

"I feel very happy with the reward and I don't even care about the amount. But I hope this tradition can be extended to boost athletes' motivation in the future," Candra said after the hand- over ceremony at the Gedung Sate Hall.

Candra also criticized the National Sports Council (KONI) which did not provide cash bonuses but only urged private companies to provide them.

Eka himself admitted that government and public attention to athletes and coaches was still below standard.

"Many athletes have felt abandoned after their heyday although they have worked really hard to achieve their best without the government's support. If necessary, the West Java council can set up a provincial bylaw on athletes' pension fees," he said. (25)