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)