Women archers expect to shine in W. C'ships

JAKARTA (JP): National level archers have set their sights on maintaining their world-beating performance in the women's events at the 38th World Championships here in August.

"Our women athletes have proven they can match their rivals. They are now in a great mood about shining on home soil," Udi Harsono of the Indonesian Archery Association said yesterday.

Brimming with confidence, Udi said the national women's team expects to regain their Olympic Games slots during the Aug. 1- Aug. 6 championships. The official world archery meet offers 60 percent of the 180 places in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

Udi said four leading archers, who will form the nucleus of the national women's team, gave confidence boosting performances during training sessions. "Nurfitriyana, Rusena, Dahliana and Purnama Pandiangan managed to surpass the limit of 1,300 points," Udi said.

The female archers teamed up to beat previously unbeaten world champion South Korea in the Asian Games last year. They did not fall short of their goals until they came up against China.

"Nurfitriyana and company have improved greatly now. We hope to win as many qualifying berths as possible in our favorite event," Udi said.

Udi muted his tone, however, when he judged the chances of his men's team. "We cannot expect more than they can do," Udi said.

He added that the men's squad is focusing on individual events. Hendra Setiawan is the only male archer who has managed to match the performances of his female teammates.

Indonesia has been grooming 10 men's and 10 women's archers for the world championships. President Soeharto is expected to officially open the event.

The national team members for the world meet will be confirmed after the national championships which are to run from today to Friday. The 20 elite archers will compete under the banners of their respective provinces.

No less than 300 athletes from 19 provinces, plus three foreign contingents, will take part in the annual competition. Aceh, North Sulawesi and South Sumatra have decided to pull out of the event.

China and Australia have confirmed their entries, while Kazakhstan looks likely to cancel or delay its visit here. Singapore, fielding eight archers, will take Kazakhstan's place. (amd)