National sports

National sports

From Neraca

The National Games are over and Jakarta was the winner for the
umpteenth time in a row. With Jakarta as the constant winner
emerges a lopsided picture of sports training programs in the
country. The results reflect the fact that many regions lack
facilities for sporting events and thus cannot participate in the
national event. The situation is grim, especially when compared
to countries like Thailand.

Remember when Thailand held the SEA Games in Chiang Mai? If we
had difficulty holding the National Games, will we be ready to
host the SEA Games here?

We have not given enough serious thought to the development of
sports programs outside of Jakarta, the setting up of training
branches, etc. Such strategies should be given more consideration
to prevent overdevelopment in one region. As it is, Jakarta is
already overloaded with matters other than sports.

HERU MALIK

Jakarta