KONI Badminton Legend Award Center Yan Joe Hok KONI Lifetime Achievement Award In Sport

Tan Joe Hok received the 'KONI Lifetime Achievement Award in Sport' from KONI Pusat (Dok. KONI)

JAKARTA - Still in the celebration of Heroes' Day, the Central Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) on Friday gave an award to Indonesian badminton legend, Tan Joe Hok.

The 'KONI Lifetime Achievement Award in Sport' was given directly by the Chairman of the Central KONI, Marciano Norman at the Central KONI office, Senayan, Jakarta.

Tan Joe Hok is a great figure in the world of badminton. He won Indonesia's first Thomas Cup in 1958, the first Indonesian athlete to win the All England title in 1959, and the first Indonesian athlete to win gold at the 1962 Asian Games.

“At that time he (Tan Joe Hok) was already a champion, which was extraordinary. Indonesia has only been independent for a few years but the sport has shown that Indonesia is a great nation. Indonesia is lifted because of the achievements of its athletes", Marciano said in his remarks, launching the official KONI website.

For the award given by the Central KONI, Tan Joe Hok also thanked the Central KONI for the memory of his colleagues who had passed away.

“I thank you for the invitation, for the appreciation to me, not only for me, sir but for my friends who have passed away. This is an award that cannot be judged by anything”, he said.

Not to forget, Tan Joe Hok conveyed a message to today's young Indonesian athletes not to give up in their efforts to achieve success.

"As a parent, I recommend to younger siblings, if you want to really excel, don't be afraid to be tired, don't be afraid to be tired, don't be afraid to get sick, that's the key", he said.