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RI hopeful at SEAG as 3 sports make list
Niken Prathivi , The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Fri, 11/14/2008 11:07 AM | Sports
Indonesia is upbeat about its medal prospects at the 25th South East Asian Games in Vientienne, Laos, next year, after cycling, archery and weightlifting were included in the event.
With the addition of the three, the Laos Games will feature 25 sports, including the country's traditional of sport Petanque.
"In a council meeting held three days ago in Laos, Indonesia's representatives reported that Laos had approved three out of five sports we had proposed," Rita Subowo, Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) chairwoman, told reporters on Thursday.
The two sports that were rejected were rowing and basketball.
"They say they will suffer a drop in the water level during the Games," said Rita, quoting a report from KOI secretary-general Ari Ariotedjo who attended the Laos meeting.
Besides trimming the number of sports -- the 2007 SEA Games featured 38 sports -- Laos also will apply restrictions on how many disciplines within a sport each country can take part in.
Rita said she had not yet decided on when to start a training camp.
"We cannot talk about a training camp at the moment because we haven't seen the supporting fund from the government. However, we will work as fast as we can to set up the camp," she said.
"I believe that soon after the sports ministry finishes the budgeting for its Top-tier Athletic Program, we will get our turn," she added.
The Top-tier Athletic Program (TAP) is a long-term training program launched by the ministry in a bid to enhance Indonesia's medal prospects at multi-event sporting showcases, including the next SEA Games.
Indonesia, which used to dominate the biennial event, is desperate to regain its standing. In 2007, the Indonesian contingent to the Games finished in fourth place with 56 gold medals from 38 sports.
