Indonesian team told to return victorious
Indonesian team told to return victorious
JAKARTA (JP): President Megawati Soekarnoputri asked on Monday
the Indonesian team bound for the 21st Southeast Asian (SEA)
Games to participate and return as winner of the event.
Speaking in front of the Indonesian contingent that will
depart for Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, Megawati asked the team to
enter the competition with great confidence to win and bring back
as many gold medals as possible.
"In the name of all the Indonesian people, I call on you to
bring back as many gold medals as possible ... It is a tough
fight, but I believe if you have a confidence and dignity you
will come home as winners," Megawati remarked.
"I know that you may think that Ibu (mother) is asking too
much," she said, referring to herself.
Megawati, in an off-the-cuff speech, further said that she was
paying special attention to the team and was ready to send off
the contingent for the games because she expected the team to do
its best in the upcoming competition.
"I remember that if the President sent off a sports delegation
then it would bring good luck," the President said.
Indonesia is sending 541 athletes, 139 coaches and 179
officials to form the 901-strong contingent that is taking part
in 29 out of 32 sports, omitting handball, netball and petanque.
National Sports Council (KONI) chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar
accompanied the team during the courtesy call.
"The Indonesian contingent has been set a target of winning
some 102 gold medals, mostly from pencak silat, badminton and
swimming," Wismoyo told the President.
"It has taken some Rp 41 billion (US$4.8 million) to finance
the whole contingent and its preparations," he added.
KONI has been reluctant to claim that it will take the overall
winner title but instead has set a target of winning more than
100 gold medals, implying the runner-up position.
The country's financial condition, however, prevented KONI
from doing its utmost in achieving the target.
The last time Indonesia topped the SEA Games medals tally was
in 1997 at home, winning 194 gold medals, 101 silver and 115
bronze in 34 sports contested.
At the Bandar Seri Begawan 1999 SEA Games, however, Indonesia
slumped to third place, with only 44 golds, 43 silver and 58
bronze, behind Thailand and Malaysia.
Host Malaysia is targeting some 80 to 100 gold medals, with
Thailand looking the strong candidate to defend its title.
Vietnam will offer tough opposition as it will warm up for the
next SEA Games to which it will play host in 2003. It has set its
sights on reaping between 40 and 50 gold medals. (dja/nvn)