Indonesia to field 40 Olympians

Indonesia to field 40 Olympians

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's will send a small team of 40
athletes to the Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia this July.

National Sports Council spokesman Ishadi SK said yesterday the
council would restrict itself to only sending athletes with a
chance of winning medals.

"The number will be discussed on Feb. 27, after we finish
studying reports from all sports organizations about their
Olympic prospects," Ishadi said.

Ishadi said the national contingent would include between 20
and 30 officials, bringing the total Olympic delegation to 70.

The council has decided to follow the government's lead and
exclude athletes wanting only to gain international experience in
Atlanta.

If the selection remains impartial, badminton players look
certain to dominate the national team lineup. Barring unforeseen
injuries, at least 20 singles and doubles players will qualify to
contest the five badminton gold medals.

Singles players Susi Susanti and Alan Budikusuma brought home
two golds from the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.

The women's archery team, three boxers and a female tennis
player have all secured Olympic berths.

Beach volleyball players are also seeking a place on the
national Olympic team. They must perform superbly at the world
championships series in Rio de Janeiro early this month to
qualify.

The centennial Olympics, the 26th edition since its inception
in 1896, will kick off on July 26 and wind up on Aug. 4, with a
total of 26 sports contested.

Ishadi said that the council would need between Rp 7 billion
and Rp 8 billion (between US$3 million and $3.5 million) for its
Olympic campaign. (amd)