Sport bosses 'should do two terms'

JAKARTA (JP): National Sports Council chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar said yesterday that it would be preferable if the chairpeople of all sports organizations completed two terms of office.

Speaking to the Badminton Association of Indonesia's officials at his office, he said that a two-term stint, which would last eight years, was needed to groom athletes and to get them up to world championship standard.

The association's chairman, Surjadi, who has led the organization since 1993, is declining to be re-elected at the upcoming national congress, which starts on Nov. 29 and ends on Dec. 1.

Surjadi, who retired from the Army this week, said he wanted to enjoy his retirement.

Wismoyo said he understood Surjadi's decision to retire.

The association's secretary-general, RAJ Gosal, told reporters yesterday that the council did not suggest any candidates for the next chairman.

"The most important thing is that the elected chairman will be able to unite all officials, coaches and athletes in the association. Secondly, must abide by the congress' decisions. And lastly, he must have good access to raise funds," he said.

The new officials are expected to arrange a science and technology-oriented program to support the association's goals in the future.

"The goal is to win gold medals in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney," Gosal said.

The congress, at which representatives of the association's 27 provincial branches will attend, will be opened by the association's patron, Vice President Try Sutrisno.

State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman and Wismoyo will also deliver speeches at the opening session.

The association's Jakarta branch will announce its nominee for the chairmanship today. (yan)