Sports council awaits Rp 4.2b from government

Sports council awaits Rp 4.2b from government

JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) has not
received the expected Rp 4.2 billion (US$567,000) from the
government to fund the training program for the 2000 Olympics
Games, Olympics training director Arie Sudewo said on Friday.

Arie said he had met with officials from the Ministry of
Finance to ask for the immediate disbursement of the money,
adding that KONI would run out of money to fund the training in
April.

"I approached the director general of the budget at the
ministry and I explained our problems and hopes. We expect them
to be able to disburse the funds immediately to enable us to
continue with the training," said Arie, who is also a vice
chairman of KONI.

"We estimate we will be out of money by April. Hopefully, the
government will distribute the money before then," he added.

He said KONI currently was funding the Olympic training with
the Rp 2 billion donated by the Gelora Senayan Management Board
(BPGS) and the Rp 500 million surplus from the budget for the
1999 Southeast Asian Games.

KONI requires Rp 6.9 billion to finance the preparation and
participation of the Indonesian contingent in the quadrennial
event, which will be held in Sydney from Sept. 15 to Oct. 1. KONI
has also received Rp 1 billion from McDonald's Indonesia to fund
the training.

Sports Science

Arie said he would introduce physical and aptitude tests to
national athletes to measure their physical health and
competence.

"I have decided to introduce sports science in the Olympic
training program. I don't want anybody to see the use of sports
science in the training as only a 'slogan'. I know we will face
setbacks at first, but we have to brace ourselves and take the
initiative," he said.

Arie said currently many athletes were not familiar with the
method. He recalled that he was obliged to undergo annual medical
checkups during his time in the Army, which made him accustomed
to seeing the doctor.

"I want the athletes to accustom themselves to medical
checkups. That's for their own good, not mine," said the 60-year-
old retired lieutenant general.

He also reiterated calls to groom young athletes and allow
them to compete in national and international tournaments, which
would provide Indonesia with a reserve of athletes.

"I see every sports organization has problems finding athletes
to replace the top ones. I prefer juniors be given the chance to
compete in international sports events," he said.

He pointed out the Badminton Association of Indonesian (PBSI),
saying it should modify its training methods if it wanted to
preserve its tradition of winning medals in the Olympic Games.

"I think PBSI is late in giving its young shuttlers an
opportunity to replace the veteran players. I don't know the real
problem, but I will discuss the results of the national shuttlers
in the Korea Open, Taiwan Open and All England," he said.

"Take China as an example. It never has a shortage of young
shuttlers. There are always new faces in every tournament and
these shuttlers achieve well. For some time, Europe has not had
any outstanding achievements, but its shuttlers are now rising to
the top," he said. (ivy)