Emilia Nova Becomes The Red And White Flag Bearer At The Opening Of The 2021 SEA Games, CdM Indonesia: We Really Care And Put Gender Equality

The hurdles athlete, Emilia Nova, is the flag bearer of Indonesia at the opening of the 2021 SEA Games. (Photo: Instagram @emilianovanv)

JAKARTA - It has been answered which athlete will carry the Red and White flag at the opening of the 2021 SEA Games. That figure is Emilia Nova, Indonesia's mainstay athlete.

This is the first time female athletes have been appointed as red and white flag bearers in the history of Indonesia's participation in the SEA Games, as reported by Antara.

Chef de Mission (CdM) Indonesia for the 2021 SEA Games, Ferry J Kono then explained what factors made Emilia Nova finally chosen as the flag bearer for the Indonesian contingent's defile at the opening later.

"We chose Emilia to be the flag bearer of the Indonesian contingent. She has excelled, and most importantly we want to prove that we really care and prioritize gender equality. We position that male and female athletes have equal rights and opportunities," said Ferry, in a written statement.

Emilia Nova admitted that she was proud to be trusted to be the flag bearer at the SEA Games as well as being the first Indonesian woman to carry the flag in the event.

"Of course this is a matter of pride for me. Especially after I just recovered from an injury, this event seems to be my comeback," he said.

"Hopefully with the election I can also give encouragement so that I can give even better achievements for Indonesia," continued the 2019 SEA Games 100m hurdles gold winner.

Meanwhile, Ferry Kono said that the organizing committee for the Vietnam SEA Games (VIESGOC) had released the rules for the parade defile. Each country is limited to only bringing 31 participants, consisting of CdM, flag bearers, athletes, coaches and officials.

"Not all contingents take part in the defile, so we prioritize the parade parade followed by sports that compete at least on April 14 to maintain the condition of our athletes' bodies so they don't get tired when they have to compete," said Ferry Kono.