JAKARTA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) --- The Indonesian Ministry of Sports has announced that it will step up and expand sports development in an effort to improve athlete performance in the Asian Games next year.
The move came following Indonesia's participation in the SEA Games in Malaysia last month, during which the country's athletes failed to meet targets.
Indonesian Youth and Sport Minister Imam Nahrawi said on Monday that he would increase the number of prioritized sports.
"There are sports which are possibly not included as priorities by sponsors, but they can contribute gold medals. So they will be included into our priorities," Minister Nahrawi said.
However, the minister did not give further details, saying he will determine later the type of sports to be categorized as priority.
Indonesia, which aimed for first position in the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, only placed fifth in the regional sporting event.
Minister Nahrawi reaffirmed that he will undertake a total reevaluation of Indonesia's performance in the event, and take steps to improve results at the Asian Games next year.
