KONI needs the best for Games

JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the Indonesian National Sports Council (KONI) Wismoyo Arismunandar warned all sport officials on Saturday against giving false reports on the athletes being groomed for the 17th Southeast Asian Games in December.

"Don't try to cheat me just because you want your athletes to don the national colors at the SEA Games," Wismoyo said while installing the new leadership board of the Indonesian Squash Association on Saturday.

"We only select the best ones, who have great chances of winning, for the national team," Wismoyo added. He asked all top sports officials to thoroughly observe the progress made by the athletes during the ongoing training.

More than 600 sportsmen and women are undergoing intensive training prior to the Dec. 9-17 SEA Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand. KONI has decided to field athletes in 26 sports, passing on rugby and hockey. Preparations for the games will cost KONI more than Rp 17 billion (US$7.7 million).

KONI has set a target of retaining the overall title at the regional sporting event. Host Thailand is seeking a repeat of its 1985 upset victory over long-time champion Indonesia. (amd)