Junior swimmers need more attention: Official

SURAKARTA, Central Java (JP): The head of research and development at the Indonesian Swimming Federation (PRSI), Kristiono Sumono, said on Wednesday numerous problems prevented the federation from developing national junior swimmers.

"There are plenty of juniors but we still find it difficult to further develop them as most of them are students," he was quoted as saying by Antara.

"PRSI can't do anything about it. That's why we think their development should be synchronized with their studies," said the former SEA Games gold medalist on the sidelines of the Indonesian interclub swimming championship at the Tirtomoyo swimming pool here.

Nadwi Syam, who coaches at the Garuda Laut club in Makassar, South Sulawesi, said a lack of competition at the regional and national levels was to blame for the lack of talented young swimmers on the national squad.

"There are so many junior swimmers taking part in the championship but none of them have an impressive record. If PRSI is serious about its SEA Games preparations, the junior swimmers must receive full attention and training."

"Otherwise, other countries such as Thailand and Singapore will leave us behind," he said.

Nadwi urged PRSI to pay proper attention to any junior swimmers who emerged from the tournament.

"If the Indonesian Swimming Federation wants the growth process to go smoothly, it should organize more tournaments in different places," he said.

Meanwhile, the Jakarta-based Elfira Swima swimming club won the overall title at the championship. The club, owned by former national swimmer Elfira Rosa Nasution, collected 17 golds, eight silvers and three bronzes, with a total score of 1,130.

The Hiu swimming club of Surabaya trailed closely behind with 16 golds, six silvers and five bronzes, collecting a score of 1,098. In third place was Jakarta-based Pari Sakti swimming club with five golds, 13 silvers and 10 bronzes, with a total score of 910 points.

About 500 swimmers from 70 clubs competed in the event, which also featured water polo, diving and synchronized diving.

The championship also served as one stage in the selection process for the Kuala Lumpur 2001 SEA Games. (har/nvn)