SEA Games medal target in the pipes: KONI

JAKARTA (JP): With only 10 weeks to go, Indonesia is still waiting to set its medal target for the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam.

The National Sports Council (KONI) official in charge of the SEA Games training, Imron Z.S., said the individual sport bodies with athletes competing in the biennial event in August must submit their projected medal tally by mid-June at the latest.

"Each sport's body has yet to report to me on training programs and the analysis of their opponents' strength. We hope they will submit their reports next month to determine the medal- winning estimation," he said after a KONI plenary meeting on Thursday.

Imron said he visited 11 of the 20 organizations to observe their training for the Games, which he said was "serious" despite their shortage of funds.

"They have made breakthroughs even though they also are suffering from the financial crisis. The training also continues without any disruption caused by general election campaigning. For example, our boxers are still competing in the Arafura Games in Darwin, Australia, as their SEA Games tryout," said the retired military police colonel.

KONI received Rp 10 billion (US$1.25 million), consisting of Rp 5.5 billion from the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) and Rp 4.5 billion from the Gelora Senayan Management Board (BPGS). It is short of the goal of Rp 22.3 billion.

The budget is to groom 549 athletes for the Games, with each athlete to receive Rp 1.5 million for an overseas training stint.

Indonesia will send 448 athletes in 20 sports at the Games, to be held in Brunei Darussalam from Aug. 7 to Aug. 15. The sports are badminton, basketball, billiards and snooker, tenpin bowling, boxing, cycling, golf, hockey, karate, pencak silat, sepak takraw, shooting, soccer, squash, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, track and field and traditional boat racing.

KONI chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar said his door was wide open to financial support from the public or political parties.

"I will be pleased to accept donations from anybody who wishes to show their concern for national sport. If any political parties also offer their assistance, I will accept it as long as they don't have hidden motives.

"But I won't beg businesspeople to cover the shortage because I know they are suffering in the financial crisis." (ivy)