Roesmanhadi wants to field polo in SEA Games

JAKARTA (JP): Newly installed chairman of the Indonesian Equestrian and Horse Racing Association (Pordasi) Roesmanhadi said he would look into the possibility of fielding a national polo team in the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam in August.

"I have just been installed as the new chairman. I will learn about possibilities to send our polo athletes to the Games," he said after his installment ceremony at the National Sports Council (KONI) headquarters on Wednesday evening.

Roesmanhadi, who is also the National Police Chief, told Antara that he would try to improve the equestrian record in Southeast Asia.

"I heard that our equestrian athletes' achievement goes beyond their fellows in other Southeast Asian countries. We want to boost their performance among Southeast Asian competitors," the four-star general said.

Roesmanhadi was elected as chairman for the 1998-2002 term during a national congress last August. He will be assisted by deputy chairman Maj. Gen. Albert Th. Paruntu, secretary-general Maj. Gen. M. Nurdin, deputy secretary-general Ferialdy Adnoes Dt. Bandaro Kayo, treasury H. Prayitno and deputy treasury Lt. Col. Bekto Suprapto.

His staff, which numbers 80, includes noted businessman Hashim S. Djojohadikusumo who chairs the polo commission, W. Johan Pitoy of the equestrian commission, H. Soehadji of the horse husbandry and veterinary commission and Vice Admiral Frits AC. Mantiri at the horse racing commission. (ivy)