Jakarta athletes told retain overall title

Jakarta athletes told retain overall title

JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso said on Tuesday he
expected his contingent members to contribute their best in the
upcoming 15th National Games (PON) in Surabaya, in terms of fair
play, sportsmanship and principles of gallantry.

"Jakarta has won the games' overall championship for eight
consecutive times. We expect you to retain the overall champion
title this year," he told the contingent at the City Hall before
sending them away.

"You have to win with fair play, sportsmanship and principles
of gallantry, as your victory will mean honor," he added.

Being the host for 30 years helped Jakarta to claim the
overall title eight times in a row. But even with the hosting
held by Surabaya, Jakarta is still aiming to retain the overall
champion title in PON and is eying 135 gold medals out of 544 at
stake from 35 sporting events, four of which are only
exhibitions.

Chairman of the Jakarta chapter of the National Sports Council
(KONI) Abdul Kahfi said Jakarta's contingent had 962 members.

"There are 539 athletes and 150 coaches and officials, 198
leaders including city councillors of the Commission E on Social
Welfare Affairs and 75 managers," he said in a written report.

Most senior city officials are managers or foster parents for
certain sports. South Jakarta mayor Abdul Mufti is responsible
for kempo and West Jakarta mayor Sarimun Hadisaputra is
responsible for tae kwon do. Head of City Traffic and Land
Transport Agency Buyung Atang is taking care of wushu.

The contingent left on Tuesday evening at 20:15 p.m. using the
Argo Bromo train from nearby Gambir train station heading for
Pasar Turi station, Surabaya.

"They are to be dispersed to seven cities in East Java:
Surabaya, Malang, Gresik, Sidoardjo, Situbondo, Kediri and
Jember," said Kahfi, who is also deputy governor for
administrative affairs. (nvn)