Wismoyo defends Asian Games policy

JAKARTA (JP): National Sports Council Chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar has defended his special policy to allow the national soccer and equestrian teams to compete in the 13th Asian Games in December.

Speaking in an impromptu media conference at his office yesterday, Wismoyo said his nod was a well-deserved reward for the teams' efforts to improve themselves, and not because of their financial independence alone.

"I have considered the matter thoroughly. I will take responsibility for their performances in the games," he said.

The decision sparked controversy because it was taken one week before the council was scheduled to announce what events Indonesia would enter in the Asiad and because the council has vowed to apply strict standards when selecting athletes for the event.

Both the All Indonesia Soccer Federation and the Indonesian Equestrian Society plan to cover their teams' expenses if they are allowed to go to games in Bangkok.

But that was not the reason they were selected, according to Wismoyo, a former Army chief of staff.

"Soccer is the most popular sport in the country. I will be neglecting my duty if I don't give our soccer team a shot. In any case it managed to reach the final in the last Southeast Asian Games," he said.

"If they reach the Tiger Cup final (in Vietnam later this month) but lose by a small margin, I will support their bid to compete in the Asian Games. But if they crash out in the early round, then they'd better forget it."

Indonesia, seeking its first international honor since 1989, lost to Thailand on penalties in the SEA Games final here last year.

The team will make another attempt at the Tiger Cup in Vietnam. The cup was switched to Vietnam at the last minute after Indonesia was banned from hosting international matches for six months by the Asian Football Confederation following riots during the SEA Games last year.

Wismoyo said the equestrian team would waste a lot of money if they were prevented from taking part in the Asiad.

"They will spend a lot of money competing in the Southeast Asian league of the Volvo World Cup. The final leg of the league will be held at the Asiad venue in Bangkok, so I don't think it's wrong to encourage their bid," said Wismoyo.

"They do have a chance to win medals and they will only squander the opportunities and money if they don't travel to the games."

Wismoyo said he would not exempt any sports organizations other than the soccer and equestrian bodies from the standard selection procedures.

"Many organizations like sepak takraw (a traditional ball game) and volleyball haven't shown a strong determination to compete in the Asiad," he said. (yan)