PASI to invite VP to open c'ships

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Amateur Athletic Association (PASI) has invited Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri to open the Asian Track and Field Championships.

PASI's official in charge of organization and provincial affairs Kunarto said on Monday that State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mahadi Sinambela, who had been invited to open the event, would no longer be able to do so as his office had been closed.

"We don't know whether the state minister will be available for this job. If it's possible, we want to invite the vice president to open it. But if no one is available, we will ask chairman of the National Sports Council (KONI) Wismoyo Arismunandar to do it," he said after meeting with Wismoyo on Wednesday.

The Championships will end on Aug. 31. Three athletes competing in them -- Supriati Sutono (women's long-distance runner), Nunung Jayadi (men's pole vaulter) and Nyoman Rae Trisandiana (women's long jumper) -- are expected to qualify for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. (ivy)