Softball included in National Games

JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) has decided to include softball in the 2000 National Games (PON) in Surabaya, East Java, an official said on Thursday.

Abbas Adhar, the newly installed chairman of the Indonesian Baseball and Softball Association (Perbasasi) for 1999 to 2003, said that KONI chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar informed him of the sport's inclusion, but said the association should provide its own funding and set up its tentative lineup.

Abbas, who is also chairman of the Indonesian Wood Panel Association (Apkindo), said that Perbasasi would start training for the national championship later this year.

He said that Perbasasi already raised some funds for its programs which would cost about Rp 200 million (US$29,4 million). He said the association also would seek donations from businesspeople for their effort to participate in PON.

Abbas will be assisted by his deputies Putranto, Harry A. Trisnadi and Agustinus Aryawan, executive chairman Pramana Surjaudaja, secretary-general Suryo Adi Prasetyo and treasurer Hendro Prastowo. (ivy)