JAKARTA - The Chairman of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), Erick Thohir, expressed his special appreciation for the people of North Sumatra during the 2025 Independence Cup, which took place at the North Sumatra Main Stadium from August 12-18, 2025.
On Monday, August 18, 2025, the final was held, with Mali U-17 emerging as champions after defeating the Indonesian U-17 National Team 2-1. Regardless of the result, Erick praised the people of North Sumatra, whom he called true supporters of the Indonesian National Team.
"With all humility and sincerity, I express my gratitude to the people of North Sumatra. Over the last two matches of the Indonesian U-17 National Team, over 21,000 people attended."
"This means that the North Sumatran supporters are truly true fans, because there's never been a crowd as packed as this one in North Sumatra for an international U-17 match," said Erick Thohir after the match, as quoted in a statement on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
Besides applauding the enthusiasm of the North Sumatran people, Erick also praised the stadium's facilities, which can accommodate 25,000 spectators. He considered the facilities provided an arena that symbolizes the progress of football in the province.
Because of this, Erick Thohir stated that this stadium in North Sumatra is worthy of being the home of the Indonesian national team.
"This demonstrates the seriousness of the Governor and Regent in continuing to develop football facilities, making North Sumatra worthy of being the home of the Indonesian national team. It has a beautiful stadium, the support of the regional government, and the extraordinary fanaticism of the Indonesian national team," he said.
In addition to maximum support for the Indonesian national team, the facilities and hospitality provided to visiting teams from other countries add value to Indonesia, which he believes is capable of being a good host.
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