Rizki Juniansyah Receives The Game Changer Award NOC Indonesia

JAKARTA - Weightlifter Rizki Juniansyah is one of the athletes, coaches, federations, and national sports figures who received the The Game Changer Award from the Indonesian Olympic Committee (NOC Indonesia) during the opening ceremony of the NOC Indonesia member meeting.

Rizki received the award at the Fairmont Hotel Ballroom, Senayan, Jakarta, on Saturday, May 9, 2026. This award is a form of appreciation for the real contribution and significant impact in encouraging the progress and achievements of Indonesian sports at the world level.

"I am very grateful to the Indonesian NOC, thank you very much for your appreciation. I will continue to strive to achieve in the future," said Rizki to the media after receiving the award.

Awards are given in 10 categories, namely Best Combat Sports Athlete, Best Game Sports Athlete, Best Precision Sports Athlete, Best Measurable Sports Athlete, Best Coach, The Rising Star, Best of the Best, Best Sport Team, Best National Federation, and Lifetime Achievement.

President of the Indonesian NOC, Raja Sapta Oktohari, emphasized that this award not only focuses on achievement, but also the transformational role played by the recipients in building the national sports ecosystem.

"This is our form of respect for those who have made a real impact on Indonesian sports. This is not just about medals, but about dedication, consistency, and the courage to change things," he said.

The process of selecting the award recipients was carried out by a team of independent panellists who have been working since February 2026. They consist of elements of the Indonesian NOC and senior journalists, including Krisna Bayu and Richard Sam Bera.

The assessment is based on achievements in multi-branch events, performance and contribution quality, and the implementation of the values of Olympism - Excellence, Friendship, and Respect - as well as aspects of governance and integrity for the category of coaches and federations.

For athletes, Safira Dwi Meilanie was named the best martial arts athlete, Janice Tjen won the best sports game athlete, Diananda Choirunisa won the award in the accuracy sports category, and the measured sports category was won by Martina Ayu Pratiwi.

In addition, Basral Graito Utomo was named the winner of The Rising Star and the highest award, Best of the Best, was given to Rizki Juniansyah for the extraordinary achievements and records made in his name, as well as his contribution to Indonesian achievements.

The Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora), Erick Thohir, said that this appreciation was a tribute that was deserved by those who had worked hard to bring Indonesia's achievements at various international levels.

"I appreciate the Indonesian NOC for awarding sports figures and athletes because they are the spearheads when the Red and White flag can be raised in the world. However, achievements cannot be achieved without the support of the mentors," he said.

In the coaching sector, the best coach award was given to the coach of the Indonesian National Hockey Team, Muhammad Dhaarma Raj. As for the team category, the Indonesian National Futsal Team was named the best team.

Meanwhile, the General Manager of the All Indonesia Weightlifting Association (PB PABSI) received an award as the best national federation and a Lifetime Achievement award was given to the late Bob Hasan for his dedication to the national sport.