Papuan Former Weightlifter Natalis Apay Dies At The Age Of 58 Due To Shortness Of Breath

JAKARTA – Jambi province's weightlifting coach, Natalis Apay, has passed away. He died at the age of 58 due to suffocation.

Natalis died on the night of Tuesday, January 25, after complaining of frequent chest pains. According to information, the deceased had a long history of heart disease.

"As the General Chair of the Central KONI, and representing the sports community of Indonesian achievements, I express my condolences for the death of Natalis Apay," said Central Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) Chairman Marciano Norman in a statement received by VOI.

Reportedly, Natalis will be buried in his hometown in Merauke. His body will be delivered by the Jambi KONI ranks by air.

Before he died, Natalis had received treatment at the Mitra Hospital, Jambi. However, the life of a man who served as a civil servant in this country could not be saved.

The chairman of the Jambi KONI, Budi Setiawan, feels the loss of Natalis. According to him, during his life, Natalis often provided input for the advancement of sports in Jambi.

"He really cares about Jambi's Weightlifting Sports and finally at National Sports Week (PON), he made a very proud achievement for the people of Jambi. Goodbye, Bang Natalis," said Budi.

Natalis is a former bodybuilding athlete. In addition, the man from Merauke, Papua, was also a weight lifter in 1991.

While active as an athlete, he excelled at the national level and even won second place at the world weightlifting championship in Japan.

After becoming an athlete, Natalis continues to devote himself to the world of achievement sports by becoming a coach. His last achievement was at the XX National Sports Week (PON) 2021 in Papua.

At that time, his protege, Reza, won a silver medal in the 120 kg weightlifting class.