Jakarta grooms 500 athletes

Jakarta grooms 500 athletes

JAKARTA (JP): Host Jakarta is grooming more than 500 athletes in its strong bid to win the National Games for a record ninth time next year.

Secretary General of Jakarta sports governing body, Eddy Widodo, told reporters on Tuesday that the capital city would need a whopping Rp 3 billion (US$1.3 million) to finance the training center for the defending champion team.

"The budget will grow since we will have to provide funds for additional training sessions for those who are selected to form the backbone of our squad," Eddy was quoted by Antara as saying. The long-term training center will kick off next month.

The 14th National Games will be moved up one year and take place before their originally scheduled date in 1997 due to the general elections. (amd)