PBVSI Naturalized Four Brazilian Athletes for the Indonesian National Volleyball Team

JAKARTA - The Central Management of the Indonesian Volleyball Association (PP PBVSI) has accelerated the naturalization plan for four young athletes from Brazil as part of the strategic project of the Indonesian National Volleyball Team (Timnas) towards the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

The Chairman of the PP PBVSI, Imam Sudjarwo, said that the program is currently still in the stage of preparing administrative documents before being discussed with the Government.

"All the naturalizations I have ever said are two male players and two female players. Now we are in the process of preparing the administration," said Imam in a statement received by the media.

PBVSI will then continue talks with the Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora), Erick Thohir, after the initial process is completed. The plan is to hold a meeting with the Minister of Youth and Sports in the near future.

The next stage is to bring the proposal to the House of Representatives (DPR) because the naturalization of athletes must receive official approval through the parliamentary mechanism.

"After Eid, I will meet with him (the Minister of Youth and Sports). If it is clear, we can prepare the administration, of course the next step is that we go to the DPR," said Imam.

PBVSI assessed that the naturalization step was necessary to accelerate the improvement of the competitiveness of the Indonesian National Volleyball Team on the international stage. The presence of new players is expected to add quality and create a competitive atmosphere for local athletes.

Imam emphasized that this policy is part of a long-term project and not just a temporary need to face a certain tournament.

"Why do we have to naturalize? Of course we have a long process, namely we want to go to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics so we prepare a good team that is the first."

"Then the second is to be able to build motivation for our national athletes," said Umam.

The reason is that the federation deliberately targets young players aged 17 so that they can be a long-term investment and contribute maximum to the Indonesian National Volleyball Team.

Imam ensured that naturalization would not hinder the training of domestic athletes. He emphasized that the program for the formation of young players continued through teams such as Jakarta Garuda Jaya and the participation of junior age groups in various international competitions.

"We also don't want to turn off from national athletes. It can't be. We can naturalize, but there must also be a percentage," said Imam.

The four athletes monitored by the federation have given positive signals to join. However, PBVSI is still studying the regulatory aspects, including possible diaspora status so that the process runs according to the rules.

In addition to bringing in players, PBVSI also plans to add coaching staff from Brazil to handle the Indonesian Men's Volleyball Team, which this year faces a number of international agendas.