Modest target set for SEAG gymnasts

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Gymnastics Association (Persani) has modest expectations for the Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, aiming for five of the 20 gold medals at stake.

"The target is actually only a preliminary expectation because we still have to evaluate our gymnasts," Persani's deputy secretary-general Frederick Huma said on Wednesday.

"Persani will change the target up or down after our evaluation in June or July."

Five golds would lower the sights of Persani, which bagged eight golds in the 1997 Jakarta Games. Gymnastics was not included at the 1999 Brunei Darussalam Games.

"But for the moment we will use the five gold medals as our main objective," Frederick said.

"Persani will also send 12 gymnasts to the Arafura Games in Darwin, Australia, from May 19 to May 26 as a part of our preparation. But we have yet to decide which gymnasts will go."

Eleven male and 18 female gymnasts are being groomed at the Bung Karno Gymnastics Hall in Senayan, Central Jakarta. From those Persani will select 15 -- six men and nine women -- to compete in Kuala Lumpur.

Frederick said Malaysia and Thailand would be the toughest competitors, with better chances of gold.

"Malaysia has hired foreign coaches to train their gymnasts as a part of their preparation to host the 1998 Commonwealth Games.

"As the result, a Malaysian gymnast passed the qualifying round and performed in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games."

Persani expected to receive financial assistance from the Jakarta City Administration and the Jakarta chapter of the National Sports Council (KONI).

"Persani has sent a letter to the city administration and the chapter to help cover our expenses," Frederick said.

"The chapter has agreed to cover the cost of gymnasts' accommodation at the Atlet Century Park Hotel, while the city administration has yet to get approval from the City Council." (nvn)