Soeharto told Games squad to do their best

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday asked the Indonesian Asian Games squad to do their best in their medal pursuit although the national sports governing body (KONI) does not set any medal target.

"Though no target is set, try to get as many medals as you can," Soeharto told the Asiad squad when receiving them at the State Palace yesterday.

The President was accompanied by KONI chairman Surono, who also urged the athletes to follow their coaches' instruction.

Soeharto added that the athletes must bear in mind that they are representing their nation and as such must responsibly maintain the nation's dignity.

Soeharto said Indonesia was not sending a contingent made up of mediocre athletes. They are, rather, selected athletes who have the potential to give their best performances at the Games.

Indonesia managed to finish seventh four years ago in Beijing, coming home with three golds, six silvers and 21 bronzes. Indonesia is now eying at least eight gold medals in badminton, tennis, boxing, weightlifting, archery, fencing and rowing competitions in Hiroshima.

The contingent, made up of 139 men and women, will compete in 23 out of 34 events. This year's Asiad will see 42 participating countries, including five newcomers from the former Soviet Union republics, battling for 337 golds up for grabs.

KONI executive chairman Soeweno said earlier that members of the karate, judo, equestrian, table tennis and swimming teams will skip the meeting with Soeharto since they are still on overseas training stints in the USA, Japan and China. (arf)