RI sails away with canoeing, kayaking golds

JAKARTA (JP): Host kayakers and canoeists left all others in their wake as they made a clean sweep of the six gold medals in competition early yesterday.

The men's 1,000 meters singles kayak was the first event in the greenish waters at the Jatiluhur reservoir, some 100 kilometers northeast of here.

It was also notable as the first medal to be decided in the Games.

Indonesian Armin defeated a starting lineup of Maeraj Mazlan from Malaysia, Kan Swhe from Myanmar and Kitbooncho Witchya from Thailand.

Armin, 25 next Wednesday, raced into the lead at the sound of the starting gun. He had built up a substantial distance by the 250-meter mark.

He was still pulling ahead of his rivals as he reached the finish line.

Fellow members of the team training squad cheered him as he stepped onto shore, and he was carried in triumph on the shoulders of organizing committee official Ari Binuko.

A cool and collected Armin beamed as he faced the barrage of media questions.

"I am very happy and I had expected this," was one of his few comments.

Armin was clocked in 03:57.46, with Kan Swhe in 04:08.35 and Kitbooncho Witchya in 04:14.62.

Kitboonchoo said he was happy with the bronze and he praised Armin's skill.

"I've tried my best but Armin was just too good to be beaten," he said through an interpreter.

Armin's win appeared to spur on his teammates, who made it a clean sweep of the day's golds.

Other wins were in the men's singles 1,000-meter canoe, four- woman 500 meters kayak, two-man 1,000-meter kayak, two-man 1,000-meter canoe and four-man 1,000-meter kayak.

Wismoyo Arismunandar, chief of the National Sports Council, arrived with other officials to congratulate the victors after races had ended.

Wismoyo, who flew in on a navy helicopter, said the rush of golds was not the main reason he decided to visit the venue.

He said togetherness and sportsmanship among nations were more important values to be promoted in the Games.

"I am satisfied with the results, but I hope the Indonesian spirit will motivate other contingents," he said, his happiness evident on his face.

He presented the medals for the four-man 1,000 meters, Sunday's final race.

Another 10 events will be held at the reservoir in the next several days, with the dragon boat race scheduled for Oct. 14. (04)