Local archers optimistic of reaching Olympic target
Local archers optimistic of reaching Olympic target
JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the Indonesian Archery Association
(Perpani) Hayono Isman was optimistic on Thursday that his female
archers would qualify for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.
Hayono said the four archers -- Nurfitriyana Saiman Lantang,
Hamdiah, Lusia Elizabeth and Kusumawardhani -- improved their
scores during training for the World Championships in Riom,
France, from July 22 to July 26.
"They will fly to Seoul on July 12 for a warm-up before going
to Riom," said the former state minister of youth affairs and
sports.
The squad will be accompanied by South Korean coach Lee Jae-
hyun and Donald Pandiangan.
Perpani secretary-general Udi Harsono said Indonesian archers
would have to reach the championships' quarterfinals to qualify
for the Olympics.
"Only 24 archers from eight countries will gain entry to the
Olympics through the championships," he said.
There are 19 berths in the World Championships' individual
events and another 15 in five continental competitions. Three
places automatically belong to host archers.
Udi said Indonesian archers would need to attain at least
3,845 points to reach the quarterfinals.
"Up to today, their total scores have reached above 3,880. I
believe if they can perform consistently, they will qualify for
the Olympics," he said.
Nurfitriyana, who was part of the team which contributed
earned first Olympic silver medal in 1988, scored her best of
1,321 points last month followed by Lusia (1,309) and Hamdiah
(1,301).
If the archers do not qualify from their ranking at the
championships, they will have a second chance in the Asian
Championships in Beijing from Sept. 1 to Sept. 5.
Hayono said that Perpani faced financial difficulties in
providing about Rp 2 billion (US$296,750) for preparation of the
archers from February to the Olympics in September next year.
"One of our ways to raise funds is to organize a painting
exhibition at the World Trade Center from July 5 to July 11. We
estimate profits of Rp 100 million from the exhibition, which
will be officially opened by National Sports Council chairman
Wismoyo Arismunandar," he said.
Perpani has collected Rp 600 million to finance the training
program and a tryout at the Arizona Cup in March.(yan)