RI gets qualifiers for show jumping

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)