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)