Indonesians set modest goals at Bob Hasan meet

JAKARTA (JP): Not expecting to perform well against big names at the second Bob Hasan Track and Field Invitational Meet today, Indonesia's athletes just hope for a free coaching clinic.

Indonesia's young sprinter, Agustinus Ngamel, who will run against American Dennis Mitchell in the 100-meter dash, said yesterday that he would use the chance to learn from his idol.

"I expect to enhance my own experience and to see how top stars make their starts," he said after practice at the Madya Senayan stadium.

Agus, whose best time of 10.66 seconds reveals why he is resigned to losing, said he had only prepared for a month for today's race. He was not sure he could beat his personal best time.

"I think it will be hard for me to break my best time because I am actually set for the National Games. I will reach my peak form in August," he said.

The 19-year-old Maluku-born runner, who favors Mitchell to finish first, admitted to being nervous about the race, but said he will have a good sleep anyway.

Men's triple jumper Josan Lekahena said that the competition will serve as a barometer to appraise the progress he has made after a long training session.

"The competition will give me a direct advantage. So far, my coach has only provide me with theories and instructions. Competing with the best will let me know what makes them successful," said the 28-year-old jumper.

"If we perform well, it will show people that Indonesian coaches are not as bad as thought," he said.

Josan promised to do his best, although he was not sure that he could top the 16 meters he jumped at the Malaysian Open in Penang last year.

"I don't carry any burdens at all into the championships. I'll take this as a free course," said Josan, who found out about the event in a newspaper last month.

National Games

National women's javelin thrower I Ketut Mudiani also said she didn't dream of placing first.

"It's not the right time for me to compete because I have just started practicing for the National Games," she said.

National coach Pieter Noya told The Jakarta Post that local athletes are in the early phase of their training program for the National Games in September.

"They will only be ready for competition in July or August," he said. "None of the national athletes will set records," he said.

Pieter also predicted the visiting athletes will not break any world records due to the humidity and heat.

"They all say that the track is good but the weather is hot and very humid, which might hinder their techniques," he said. (yan)