Gibran Accompanying Zainudin Amali To Open The 2021 Menpora Cup Tournament At The Solo Manahan Stadium

Arena Fc Malang faced Persikabo 1973 in a Group A match for Menpora Cup 2021 at Manahan Stadium, Solo, Sunday, March 21 (Bambang Dwi Marwoto / Antara)

JAKARTA - The Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora), Zainudin Amali, officially opened the 2021 Menpora Cup pre-season soccer tournament at Manahan Stadium, Solo, Central Java, Sunday, March 21.

Reported by Antara, Sunday, March 21, Amali accompanied by PSSI Chairman Mochamad Iriawan and Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka marked the opening of the tournament by pressing the siren button in four venues while still implementing strict health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.

After that the event continued with the handover of the ball from the Chairman of PSSI Mochamad Iriawan to the referee who led the inaugural match of the Menpora Cup tournament between Arema FC Malang and Persikabo 1973 at the Solo Manahan Stadium.

On this occasion, Amali thanked the football-loving community who watched the match from home after more than one year football activities had stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic until finally it has started again with the Menpora Cup pre-season tournament.

"We hope that it will be held again with League 1 and League 2 competitions and all other football activities in the country," said Amali.

Amali explained that the football industry must start to be revived but health protocols must also be maintained. The government is currently doing everything in its power to immediately deal with the impact of COVID-19.

"We also want to move the community to revive, including sports, especially football. Football can progress if all provide support. All stakeholders, be it club owners, supporters and the community. In fact, the federation, PSSI, and the Executive Committee (Exco) and of course the manager of football activities will also support him, "he said.

Amali appreciates the entire organizing committee and PT LIB along with its staff and the four organizing cities, namely Surakarta, Sleman, Malang and Bandung, which have hosted the Menpora Cup.

"This is a test for football stake holders that we are able to hold football with disciplined health protocols. I believe and believe that all football supporters in Indonesia are disciplined and football supporters so that they can bounce back," said the Menpora.

Meanwhile PSSI Chairman Mochamad Iriawan said that his party must be grateful to be able to hold this year's Menpora Cup tournament using strict health protocols. This is a good moment, football matches can be successful and I am sure all supporters can follow by watching live television at home alone.

"We thank the Menpora for holding the Menpora Cup tournament this year and then in the future League 1 and 2 competitions," he said.