RI to host junior world swimming meet

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will host the 1999 Junior World Swimming Championships, the chief of the sport's governing body announced yesterday.

Chairman of the International Amateur Swimming Federation (FINA) Mohammad Larfaoui said on the second day of his official visit here that Indonesia's facilities meet the standards required for a world-level event.

The Algerian-born sports chief said that he will help the country build additional facilities for the championships, the first world-class swimming meet ever to be held in Indonesia.

Chairman of the Indonesian Swimming Federation Rahardi Ramelan, who met with Larfaoui yesterday, said that the country's successful bid came a little bit late. "FINA has named hosts of all world events from 1996 to 1998. We are lucky to bring in one in 1999," Ramelan said.

The junior championships look certain to take place at the Senayan swimming pool.

Larfaoui also revealed his plan to introduce three more short- distance events in addition to the regular 50-meter freestyle. "We consider contesting 50 meters in backstroke, butterfly and breaststroke to give the sport more attractions," Larfaoui said.

He said he expected to see the proposal adopted as soon as possible so that the new disciplines can make appearances in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

Another modification has been introduced for water polo, according to Larfoaui. A women's competition is expected to add spice to the existing men's category.

The length of the pool and the number of members in each competing team will also be changed for this sport. The water polo event will now feature six-a-side teams playing in a 25m- long pool. Currently a team consists of seven players who compete in 30m-long pool. (amd)