RI gets qualifiers for show jumping

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has been chosen to host two of the eight stages in the Southeast Asian zone qualifying round of the Volvo Cup world show jumping championships.

Bo Helander, the secretary-general of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), said Tuesday the first stage of the championships would be held in Ciater, West Java, on Sept. 7 and the second stage would be at Arthayasa Stable in Cinere, on the southern outskirts of the capital, on Sept. 14.

Indonesian show jumper Rafiq Hakim said during a breaking of the fast Tuesday that he was optimistic Indonesia would win the Southeast Asian zone championships.

"The world show jumping championships will use the concept of Formula One car racing which will make riders perform professionally," Rafiq was quoted by Antara as saying.

Indra Rosendi, Rafiq Hakim Radinal, Ardy Hapsoro, Roy Ibrahim and Tenny Palandeng are expected to represent Indonesia at the two events.

The eight best riders from the eight stages in the Southeast Asian zone will qualify for the finals of the world show jumping championships in Helsinki, Finland in 1998.

Helander said that Singapore would host one stage, Malaysia would host three and Thailand would host two stages of competition for the Southeast Asian zone.

The first stage of this year's Southeast Asian zone competition will be in Malaysia in August. Singapore will host the second stage.

"Indonesia, Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries have shown progress in equestrian sport, especially show jumping. The coming championships in Indonesia will come as a trial test for Southeast Asian riders in the 1998 Asian Games," Helander said.

Soeharto Cup

In another equestrian sport, North Sulawesi will host the second stage of the Soeharto Cup national horse racing championship in September.

J.F. Kumurur, the chairman of the North Sulawesi regional office of the Indonesian Equestrian Association, said in Manado yesterday that preparations were being made for the event.

"The championship will be held at a time when North Sulawesi is celebrating its 33rd anniversary. The event is very important for the province to defend its title. North Sulawesi has won twice, in 1995 and 1996," Kumurur said.

The event will be held at the Maesa race track in Pinabetengan, Tompaso.

The first stage of the national horse racing championship will be held at Pulomas, East Jakarta.

"North Sulawesi will try to collect as many points as possible in the first stage to ease its way for the second stage. If North Sulawesi wins the Soeharto Cup for the third time, the province is entitled to keep the trophy forever," Kumurur said. (lnt)