NOC Reaffirms Rejecting Racism And Discrimination Again So That Indonesian Sports Rises Level

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (NOC Indonesia), Raja Sapta Oktohari, emphasized the importance of a mental revolution and compliance with Olympic values to raise Indonesia's sporting level in the eyes of the world. As a great nation, Indonesia has a dream to host world sports events. Several world sports agendas have been included in the list, such as the 2025 Gymnastics World Championships, the U-19 Basketball World Cup (FIBA World Cup U-19), to the Youth Olympic Games and the 2036 Olympics.

However, the racist incident carried out by netizens on social media after Indonesia U-23 lost 0-1 to Guinea U-23 to a warning.

As is known, the playoff match for the last ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics did not end satisfactorily. Indonesia U-23 failed to go to Paris.

However, the results invite negative reactions from Indonesian netizens. They are busy attacking various social media related to Guinean football, even to the official account of the Guinean Football Federation (FGF). "Indonesia has a dream of hosting the Olympics and many other world-class sports. If we still have racism and discrimination, our sport will never go up. This mentality must be addressed," said Okto, greeting Raja Sapta Oktohari.

Referring to the Olympic Charter (Olympic Charter), NOC Indonesia needs to emphasize its attitude as a great nation that there should be no discrimination in sports.

According to Okto, in the Olympic values, it is clearly stated that Excellent, Friendship, and Respect.

"These values are what we have to protect. Indonesia must have votes for no racism, no discrimination and keep sports as neutral zones."

"The attitude of NOC Indonesia is clear as a guard and upholds the Olympic Charter or the Olympic Charter. Therefore, we emphasize that there is no discrimination in sports activities."

"Don't let us be dwarfed in international sports for discrimination in sports, especially to athletes."

"Sports are independent activities that prioritize sportsmanship, respect, and friendship," said Okto again.

This, according to Okto, is the basis for the Olympic movement to build its activities to advance sports, culture and education with the aim of building a better world.

Okto then quoted the Olympic Father, Pierre Le Coubertin, who said that peace would never be achieved without separating races.

He emphasized that the Olympic Charter guarantees that competing athletes should not get discrimination in any form, such as race, skin color, gender, sexual orientation, language, religion, political opinion, or other matters related to national origin, social, property, birth, or other status.

"So, through sports activities, we must show our maturity in placing ourselves in the world arena."

"Moreover, we are targeting or targeting to host the Olympics in 2036," said Okto.

Back to the matter of Indonesia U-23, Okto revealed that Garuda Muda's struggle should be used as a momentum and opportunity so that Indonesia can host various single events and multi-events internationally.

"Therefore, maturity is needed for all parties so that Indonesia can become a friendly country for international sports. Moreover, Indonesia has a dream to hold the Olympics and Youth Olympics," he said.

Apart from that, NOC Indonesia asked for the best prayers for Indonesian athletes who are still struggling to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Currently there are still rowing, rock climbing, judo, athletics, and swimming competitions that are still in the 2024 Paris Olympics qualifying round.

So far, 20 athletes from nine sports have won tickets to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

They are two athletes from archery, Fathur Gustafian (shooting), Rifda Irfanaluthfi (six), Rio Waida (soft), Rahmad Adi Mulyono and Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi ( Rock climbing), Eko Yuli Irawan (61kg) and Rizky Juniansyah (73kg) from weightlifting, La Memo (rowing), and Bernard van Arent (cycling).

Most recently, BWF has issued a statement regarding athletes who passed the qualification on Friday, May 10, 2024.

Indonesia is represented by nine athletes, namely Jonatan Christie and Anthony Sinisuk Ginting (men's singles), Gregoria Mariska Tunjung (women's singles), Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto (men's doubles), Apriyani Rahayu/Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti (women's doubles), and Rinov Rivaldy/Pitha Haningtyas Mentari (mixed).