Soeharto told Games squad to do their best

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)