JAKARTA - The chairman of the National Olympics Committee (NOC), Raja Sapta Oktohari, takes seriously the polemic that arises about Israel's rejection at the 2023 World Beach Games in Bali. This situation makes Okto concerned because according to him, sports should be a unifying tool.
World Beach Games 2023 will be held in Bali on August 5-12. Having the opportunity to host a prestigious beach sport event is a matter of pride for Indonesia, especially since this became the second series since it was first held in 2019.
All preparations continue to be intensified to present a positive impression in the event. However, four months before the agenda, the refusal came from the Governor of Bali, I Wayan Koster.
The governor's strong reason for rejecting this agenda was because of Israel's qualifying for the two sports to be contested. Israel's participation raises resistance which has the potential to threaten the survival of the 2023 World Beach Games.
"I am concerned and regret what happened, because to this day there has been no formal communication that we have received from the Bali Government, the Governor of Bali," said Raja Sapta Oktohari in a statement, quoted on Thursday, April 6.
"I have great respect for Governor I Wayan Koster. I believe there are still many communication patterns that we can build," Okto added.
In addition to his concern for the current situation, Okto said, sports events should be a unifying event instead of dividing.
"This sport should be a unifying tool, not a dividing tool. Even in this Ramadan situation, it is easier for us to communicate because our hearts are cold," said Okto.
This World Beach Games or beachside sport will involve 1,600 athletes from 130 countries who qualify. With that many participants, preparations must also be made optimally for a mature event.
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