Fund constraints, training blamed for SEA Games fiasco

Fund constraints, training blamed for SEA Games fiasco

JAKARTA (JP): Financial problems, lack of tryouts and short
training periods were blamed as the main factors for Indonesia's
disappointing show at the just-concluded 20th Southeast Asian
(SEA) Games at a National Sports Council (KONI) evaluation
meeting attended by sports officials and athletes.

Sports expert Mangombar Ferdinand Siregar told reporters
during the break in the meeting that the three-month training
session prior to the Games was held by KONI to improve the skill
and condition of athletes.

"But each sports organization should have prepared them long
before the athletes were called to join the centralized training
program. We have problems establishing a conducive situation for
a continuous training program in any sport due to the problems in
the country," he said.

"If we compare our athletes' performances two weeks ago with
athletes from Thailand and Malaysia, I believe the sports
community in the country must work harder to be able to challenge
our rivals."

"Ideally, each sports organization must have a permanent
budget to stage the continuous and integrated athlete development
programs."

Chef de mission for the SEA Games Mochammad Hindarto called on
each sports organization to reveal their problems.

"KONI has set up a special task force, chaired by Indra Djati
Sidi, which will study and solve all problems occurring during
the Games preparation. The task force will also work on the
solution to those problems."

The Indonesian Taekwondo Association's (TI) secretary-general,
Ahmad Zarkasih Hamid, expressed disappointment with the
evaluation, saying it was ineffective.

"I think it's better if KONI can call on each sports
organization for a more intensive and effective discussion on the
problems. This evaluation, I think, will not meet our target to
improve the athlete development programs."

"Athletes also requested a long-term training program. They
didn't approve of the current training programs where athletes
were returned to their own clubs and would be called back when
there was an event."

Potential

Veteran swimmer Richard Sam Bera shared the same idea.

"We, athletes, must have continuous long-term training
programs. If we only have short-term training, our condition will
never reach maximum potential.

"If we are talking about the Asian Games, specially in
swimming, it won't be enough to have a training program for only
six weeks. It needs more time. For the 2001 SEA Games, each
sports organizations must prepare their athletes starting today,"
said Richard, who made a sweet comeback by sharpening the Games
record in the 100 meter freestyle two weeks ago.

The 27-year-old swimmer said that during the off season,
athletes after returning home usually have a lot of free time.

"When they are in that period, their physical condition will
drop. It's the main barrier for them to make better
achievements," he said.

Richard, who won three golds in the 1999 Games, said Indonesia
had the same quality coaches as the United States.

"The different things are facilities and competitions. In
Senayan, the swimming pool doesn't meet the international
standard. It was built in the 1960s, and you can see the light
switch is still in Russian letters," said the graduate of the
Arizona State University with a laugh. "Another barrier is lack
of domestic competition."

Separately, karateka Abdullah Kadir and pencak silat fighter
Abbas Akbar expressed objections to KONI's plan to give insurance
bonuses for the Games medalists.

Kadir, Indonesia's first gold medalist, said: "I understand
that the insurance is for our future. But in the meantime, before
we receive the claim, we have nothing."

Abbas, a gold medalist in the wiralaga (fighting) event, said:
"Some athletes need cash to continue their lives. For example, my
fellow paddlers, who mostly are fishermen. Maybe they need cash
to buy their own boats. I think it's better if KONI can provide
jobs for senior athletes." (yan)