Supriyati receives Rp 100m from PASI

JAKARTA (JP): Middle distance runner Supriyati Sutono, who won the women's 5,000 meters gold medal at the 13th Asian Games in Bangkok two weeks ago, received a cash bonus from the Indonesian Amateur Athletics Association (PASI) on Wednesday.

Supriyati, in winning Indonesia's second ever Asiad track and field gold after Muhammad Sarengat in the fourth Asiad in 1962, bagged Rp 100 million (US$12,500). She clocked 15 minutes 54.45 seconds.

Kunarto, the association's organization section deputy representing chairman Mohammad "Bob" Hasan, handed over the bonus to Supriyati in a ceremony witnessed by the National Sports Council chairman, Wismoyo Arismunandar. Kunarto also handed over a Rp 50 million bonus to coach Nicky Pattiasina.

"I am really thankful to PASI for giving me the bonus. I'll save it for my children's future," said the Army sergeant, who married Suyanto last year and expects to have a baby after the 2000 Olympics.

PASI also gave bonuses to persons who were considered to contribute to Supriyati's victory, including cooks, cleaning and washing maids, a masseur, as well as doctors and psychologists, who received between Rp 1 and Rp 17.5 million.

Supriyati's training partner, Ridwan, received a Rp 2 million bonus. While the Army Officers' Candidates School received Rp 100 million in financial aid to build a gravel track on its sports complex in Bandung.

Kunarto said that PASI would support Supriyati's training and preparation for the Olympics in Sydney.

Supriyati said Tuesday that she wanted PASI to provide a better training partner to boost her motivation to work harder for the Olympics.

"PASI will provide everything needed by Supriyati for the Olympics. It all depends on her and Nicky," Kunarto said.

Supriyati said she aimed to finish the distance in under 15 minutes. The world record is 14:51.87 created by Wang Junxia of China. (yan)