RI to test its skills at Arafura Games
RI to test its skills at Arafura Games
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will use the Arafura Games as a tryout
for the 19th SEA Games.
Chef de mission Indra Djati Sidi, who is also a National
Sports Council official, said although most national athletes
came from second string squads they were also the best in the
country.
"We never send our best athletes to compete in international
events," he said.
The National Sports Council will also use the event to check
SEA Games participating countries' strengths.
Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore,
Thailand, and Vietnam also participate in the biennial event,
which starts in Darwin, Australia, today and runs until May 17.
"I hope we can evaluate our athletes performances at the
Arafura Games to observe our strengths and weaknesses," Indra
said.
The council's chairman, Wismoyo Arismunandar, encouraged
athletes to do their best to achieve their targets.
"Don't be afraid of failing to achieve the target. On the
contrary, we have to motivate ourselves to reach them," he told
athletes.
The national squad of 115 left Tuesday and Friday.
Wismoyo urged Indra to be responsible for the contingent's
success.
"Don't bluff big results if you can't make it," he said.
From seven sports, only badminton and boxing officials were
optimistic about winning gold medals.
Badminton coach Herry Imam Pringadi said he was optimistic his
shuttlers could win all seven gold medals on offer.
Lydia Djaelawidjaja, Carmelita, Nunung DZ and Yuli Marfuah are
in the women's side, while Rudy Wijaya, Seng Kok Keong, Nunung
Subandoro and Hendrawan are in the men's side.
Boxers Dufri Masihor, Wilpare Jamhur, Martin Sihombing, Otong
Kosasih, Ade Alfons, Meckson Barataman and Damianus Jordan all
hope to win six gold medals.
Antara reported that gymnastics training boss, Frederick Huma,
said Indonesia's four artistic gymnasts - Sherly Novitasari,
Eliningsih, Nurfiana Akhmadi and Helda Sulistina - were not
given targets.
"Their participation at the Arafura Games is a tryout for the
19th SEA Games," he said.
"The more they compete, the more experience they will get," he
said.
This is the first time Indonesia will compete in the biennial
event.
In 1993 Indonesia was only represented by Bali, which won
three golds.
Indonesian athletes will compete in 52 events from seven
sports - badminton, boxing, gymnastics, sepak takraw, softball,
swimming and track and field.
The Suara Pembaruan daily reported that Brunei, China, Chinese
Taipei, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Guam, Hong Kong, Indonesia,
Japan, South Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Nauru, Caledonia, New
Zealand, Marinas, Forfolk Islands, Papua New Guinea, the
Philippines, Samon, Salomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tahiti, Thailand,
Tango, the United States of America, Vietnam and host Australia
will compete in the eight-day Games. (yan)