Indonesia: Games squad asked to focus on training for Asiad

The National Sports Council (KONI) has called on the contingent for the upcoming Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, to focus on their preparations for the quadrenial event, despite a late budget disbursement.

"We mustn't let the government's tardiness hinder our preparation," KONI Deputy and Asian Games Contingent Chief Hendardji Supandji told some of the 111 athletes at a briefing Wednesday (February 24).

"Each of us must maintain a high spirit."

In late January, KONI requested Rp45 billion (US$4.9 million) for the Asian Games training programme from the government.

The request has been held up and the money cannot be handed over pending the implementation of a presidential regulation on the Indonesia Gold Program, a fusion of the sports ministry's Top-Tier Athlete Programme (PAL) and KONI's national training camp.

Indonesia will take part in 17 sports at the Asian Games that run from November 12 to 27.

Hendardji also urged all sports associations to temporarily pay for the preparations, including medical tests, foreign trainers and tryouts, as planned in their programmes.

"Once the government disburses the fund, you will be reimbursed for all those expenses," he said.

Indonesian Wushu Association Secretary-General Ngatino expressed hope that KONI would provide an official letter on the reimbursement procedure.