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