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)