PASI eyes eight golds at SEA Games

PASI eyes eight golds at SEA Games

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Amateur Athletics Association
(PASI) is optimistic of earning eight of 46 golds at stake in the
Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in September.

"The target was set based on the athletes' records in four
national events, namely, the National Games last June; National
Invitation in Sidoarjo, East Java, in February; Java-Bali circuit
in Surakarta, Central Java in April; and the National
Championships from June 17 to June 20. We still expect them to
improve their records," PASI official in charge of athletes
development Ria Lumintuarso told reporters on Wednesday.

"We are optimistic of meeting our target. We are also
expecting additional golds, but it will depend on the athletes'
progress as the competition will be very tight."

PASI is relying on Supriati in the women's 1,500-meter, 5,000m
and 10,000m run; Ni Putu Desi Margawati in the women's pole
vault; Ester Sumah in the women's 800m run; Ruwiyati in the
women's marathon; Nunung Jayadi in the men's pole vault; and
either I Gede Karangasem or Antonius Fallo in the men's marathon.

Ria said Indonesia would face tough competition in the
throwing events from Singapore-imported Chinese athletes.

"Our toughest contender in the throwing event is Singapore,
which will field four Singapore-imported Chinese athletes in the
men's shot put, the women's javelin, the women's hammer and the
women's discus."

"As for Supriati, she will face strong opposition from a
Chinese runner racing for Malaysia in the 10,000m. But since the
event takes place on the first day, we hope Supriati can give her
best as she will be fresh."

Ria said PASI would not pressure its sprinters to take the
gold for the most prestigious event, the men's 100m dash, as they
only have a slight chance.

The Nation reported that Thai sprinter Rienchai Seehawong, the
strongest candidate to bring home the gold, managed to clock
10.32 seconds in the Kazakhstan International Athletics
Championships last week and also collected the bronze.

Indonesia's best sprinter Sukari only managed to clock 10.72
in the just-concluded National Championships.

Ria said PASI had been grooming 50 athletes and 35 of them had
managed to join the main squad.

"We are sure they will contribute at least bronze medals. The
other 15 athletes will have to show progress at the two PASI-
organized Grand Prix series on July 1 and July 15. They still
have the chance to be in the main team."

Concerning sprinter Irene Truitje Joseph's health, Ria said
Irene would undergo a health examination later this week.

"Actually Irene was scheduled to be examined last Saturday,
but apparently the cardiologist who was supposed to examine her
was sick," he said.

"Generally she is in a good condition. We just don't want her
tire herself." (nvn)