Sports success spurs self confidence
Sports success spurs self confidence
JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto renewed the quest for better
performance in international sporting events yesterday, saying
that sports achievements will boost the nation's self confidence.
Speaking at the medal presentation for the nation's best
sports figures which marked the 12th National Sports Day at the
State Palace yesterday, Soeharto said that self confidence plays
a major role in a developing nation.
"Reaching the heights in sports has become one of our
responsibilities to narrow the gap in our lagging behind other
nations," Soeharto said.
On Sept. 9, 1948, Indonesia, as a very young nation, held its
first National Games in Surakarta, Central Java. Since 1983,
Sept. 9 has been celebrated as National Sports Day.
A total of 32 athletes, 38 prime movers, 10 coaches, 12
referees and two governors received medals for their commendable
showing and distinguished roles in sports development. Bola
sports tabloid, the Jantung Indonesia foundation and three state-
owned and private companies were included among the medal
recipients.
Among the medal winning athletes are chess wizard Utut
Adianto, the first Indonesian to enter the world's elite Grand
Masters, and the women's trio of Nurfitriyana, Hamdiah and
Dahliana, bronze medalists in the World Archery Championships
here last month.
Indonesian gold medalists at the Special Olympic Games in New
Haven, Connecticut in July dominated the list of medal winning
athletes yesterday.
Mrs. Tien Soeharto, Harmoko, Akbar Tandjung, Hasjrul Harahap,
Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X and Soeweno were included in the
outstanding prime movers category.
Soeharto reminded his listeners that the performance of the
nation's athletes remained far below the public's expectations.
"We indeed have to work harder in this area," he stressed.
As for the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in Chiang Mai,
Thailand, Soeharto asked the national team to battle it out in
order to stretch Indonesia's domination in the biennial event.
"Regional and international sports gatherings are not only
aimed at fostering close relationships among nations, but at
showing who is the best," he said.
Indonesia has triumphed in all but one SEA Games since 1977.
Thailand upset Indonesia when it played host to the sporting meet
in 1985.
The president also called on sports clubs throughout the
country to better their management and organization rather than
focusing on raising more funds.
"Funds will mean nothing without a well-knit organization and
management," he said.
"A grassroots base for an organization and solid management
will make it easier for sports clubs to scout a bulk of talent,"
Soeharto said.
He suggested that the clubs need to cooperate with schools in
their talent scouting program.
A massive parade around the National Monument (Monas) will be
held this morning, with 38,000 people expected to join a number
of national sports figures in the huge procession. Coordinating
Minister for People's Welfare Azwar Anas will lead the parade.
(amd)