Wismoyo defends Asian Games policy

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)