NOC Intends to Increase International Events to Support the Achievements of Indonesian Athletes

Raja Sapta Oktohari (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA — Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (NOC) Raja Sapta Oktohari wants to have more international-level events in Indonesia to support the achievements of national athletes.

This was conveyed by Okto in the 'Kaledeiskop 2022 and What Next 2023' program at the NOC Office, Jakarta, Thursday, December 22. An international-scale event is considered to be one of several important components that need attention.

"In managing sports, there are several components that must be prioritized. First, athletes. Second, coaches with training programs. Third, referees and judges who cannot be left out", he said.

"Then events must also be improved, not an inter-village event but world-class, as stated by the President, encouraging many events to be held in Indonesia", he added.

Okto further said that these important components must also be supported by serious organizational management as well as adequate facilities and infrastructure.

Venues, training grounds, venues for matches, and other infrastructure are the main needs that are inseparable in the preparation of athlete development programs.

"An athlete can't become a world swimming champion if we don't have a swimming pool", he said.

"Of course, we have big hopes for Indonesian athletes, but we also have to look at all of these supporting factors to be decisive in bringing athletes to the next level, be it sea games champions, Asian Games champions, or even the Olympics", he added.

Next year, Indonesia will be busy hosting several international-level single-event tournaments. Among them are the Indonesia Masters badminton tournament (January 24-29), and the ISSF Rifle/Pistol Shooting World Cup (January 27-February 7).

Furthermore, there is the UCI Track Nations Cup (February 23-26), U-20 World Cup (May 20-June 11), Indonesia Open (June 13-18), FIBA World Cup (August 25-Sept. 10), and MotoGP ( October 13-15).

Then, Indonesia will also be preoccupied with hosting the ANOC World Beach Games in Bali on August 5-12.