Indonesian archery body not fired up by Athens challenge

Indonesian archery body not fired up by Athens challenge

Eva C. Komandjaja, Jakarta

The dismal performance of three Indonesian archers at the
recent German grand prix augurs badly for their Olympic campaign,
but the Indonesian Archery Association (Perpani) says it is not
worried.

Rina Dewi Puspitasari and her male compatriot Kuswantoro both
exited in the opening round of the German event, while Lockonecko
did slightly better by reaching the second round.

"These archers have good talent, good skills and good ability,
but they just don't have enough international experience. They
have not participated in many tournaments because we don't have
the funds," Arie Ariotedjo, Perpani's chief in charge of
developmental affairs, told The Jakarta Post here on Tuesday.

The International Archery Grand Prix was held in Wyhl,
Germany, from June 16 to June 20 and featured 128 archers from 34
countries.

Rina, ranked 20th in the qualifying round, was nipped in the
first round 151-150 by Ukrainian Olena Sadovnycha, who ranked
45th in the qualification.

Kuswantoro lost in the opening round to Chen Wenyuan of China
by a score of 160-159.

Lockonecko went through to the second round with a 162-160 win
over Indian Majhi Sawaiyan, only to lose to another Indian, Satya
Dev Prasad, 162-160.

With two of the same three archers to represent the country at
the Olympic Games in Athens next August, Indonesia, which in 1988
won a silver medal in the women's category, could be facing grim
prospects.

But Arie said Perpani was not overly concerned by their
chances in Athens.

"Our target is the 2008 Olympic Games, not this year. However,
we will strive to do our best in Athens," he said.

Rina has already secured a place on the Indonesian team for
the Athens Olympics, while Perpani has yet to decide between
Kuswantoro and Lockonecko for the other spot.

Given their performances in Germany, one would expect
Lockonecko to be heading for Athens, but Arie said that scores
were not the only factor in the decision.

"If we only took scores into consideration of course Locko
would go, but we have other criteria as well. We need more time
to decide between Locko and Kuswantoro," Arie said.

The three archers will complete their Olympic preparations by
taking part in the final round of the grand prix in Turkey from
July 15 to July 19.