Supriyati receives Rp 100m from PASI

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)