The Inspirational Story Of An Elementary School Teacher In Surabaya Who Became The Tokyo Olympics Referee

Sawunggaling 1 Elementary School teacher, Surabaya City, Qomarul Lailah, as a referee at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Sawunggaling 1 Elementary School teacher, Surabaya City, East Java, Qomarul Lailah, shared his experience of being a badminton referee at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics from July 23 to August 8, 2021.

"At first I was not interested in being a referee because I didn't understand badminton," said Qomarul Lailah, telling her experience when she first became a referee in Surabaya, Monday, as reported by Antara, August 9.

However, after gaining enough knowledge, Lia, Qomarul Lailah's nickname, became interested in trying to join the training and take the provincial level exam. As a result, this mother of two graduated, but her graduation did not necessarily lead Lia to become a professional referee.

"Until the players shouted how come the referee, someone said this is a graduate referee which should go to refereeing school again. Then while remaining optimistic, I continued to study until I continued to read a book called Law of Badminton. That book is indeed all the rules and instructions in English, " he said.

From there, the woman who was born in Surabaya, September 24, 1977, continues to struggle to take part in various national exams in various events. As time went on, Lia increasingly skyrocketed in the world of refereeing. However, he did not forget his obligation to be an elementary school teacher for English subjects.

Interestingly, Lia explained that all the knowledge she had gained from her role as a referee was also implemented at the school where she taught. He also admitted that his students are trained to always be disciplined, confident and never give up because that is an important point in achieving success.

For Lia, when we want to apply these three characters, it will make it easier to achieve many things. That's why Lia instills this character in her students as early as possible.

"If you want to succeed, son, discipline is number one. I teach them to be the real doll, so being a real doll is not if you lose the game it hurts to keep fighting. But we need courage. Now foreign languages need courage because language is a habit. I teach them that 'wani' (dare) to speak English," he continued.

That way, he hopes that the next generation of the nation, especially Arek-arek Suroboyo, will be more persistent and never give up in realizing their goals. Lia also thanked various parties for the opportunity given, including the Surabaya City Education Office.

"Thank you also to the Principal of SDN Sawunggaling 1, Mrs. Sri Kis Untari and all parties," he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Elementary School (SD) Division of the Surabaya City Education Office (Dispendik) M. Aries Hilmi said he was proud of the election of Qomarul Lailah to be the referee for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

For him, Laillah's experience can foster new enthusiasm among teachers and students in the City of Heroes.

"So it's amazing that our teachers are referees in the international arena. We hope this spirit is what we hope for and is able to color the teachers in the City of Heroes," said Aries.

He explained, actually the figure of Qomarul Lailah has been an international referee several times. Qomarul Lailah's career in refereeing began in 2000. At that time he was still a contract teacher at an elementary school in Surabaya. Then over time with various processes Lia managed to lead the course of various international badminton matches.

"Of course this is a pride for all of us. That nothing is impossible if we are serious and develop whatever we have," he said.

In addition, Aries hopes that Lia can share her experience by implementing it where she teaches. It is important to do this, so that the spirit can be transmitted to students in the City of Heroes.