T

he Indonesian Track and Field Association (PASI) and state-run Bank Mandiri have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in which the bank will provide Rp 2 billion (US$230,00) to the association for grooming athletes for the upcoming 26th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).

“We thank Bank Mandiri for the support. We will take most of the benefit of the support for the development of our athletes’ achievements, especially for the Games.

“Besides, I think Bank Mandiri can also apply speed and endurance the same way we do,” PASI chief Mohammad “Bob” Hasan said during the ceremony at the Stadion Madya track and field arena in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Bob said that PASI has targeted a minimum of seven gold medals in the Games, which will be held in Jakarta and Palembang in November.

“Our athletes will do their best to perform much better from our previous seven-gold achievement in Laos [SEA Games in 2009],” he added, saying that Dedeh Erawati, a gold medalist in the Games in 2007 and 2009, was again the country’s best chance for the women’s 110-meter hurdles at the next Games.

Besides Dedeh, 100-meter sprinter Surya Agung, who recorded 10.17 seconds in the Laos Games to win the gold medal, is another Indonesian hopeful.

In motivating young sprinters to reach the country’s medal target, PASI has offered them Rp 500 million in scholarships for those who clock 10.10 seconds and Rp 1 billion for 10-second times.

Youth and Sports Minister Andi Mallarangeng appreciated Bank Mandiri’s direct contribution to the preparation of the Games.

He also urged other state companies who previously supported sport associations to follow Bank Mandiri’s lead.

“In further action, I have planned to meet the state-owned enterprises minister, requesting him to give red marks in evaluation for those that don’t support the Games,” added Andi.

— JP/ Niken Prathivi