KONI promises big cash reward

KONI promises big cash reward

JAKARTA: In an attempt to motivate athletes, the National Sports
Council (KONI) has promised a large amount of cash bonuses to
Indonesian gold medalists at the upcoming 2002 Asian Games.

KONI Chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar, who prefers the word
"reward" to "bonuses", said that they were considering between Rp
200 million and 250 million for a gold winner.

The amount, should it be realized, will be far higher than
that given four years ago when a gold medal winner earned Rp 60
million, a silver medalist received Rp 40 million and a bronze
medallist Rp 20 million.

"It has already been included in the scheme that I'm going to
offer Rp 200 million for winning a gold. I could promise even Rp
250 million if I see that you are particularly motivated,"
Wismoyo told athletes at a get-together at Hotel Century here on
Saturday. But he did not mention how much would go to silver and
bronze medal winners. --JP