JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) was awarded the title as the Father of Indonesian Sports. This status was given by the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI/NOC Indonesia) at the 2023 Extraordinary Meeting of Members and Congress in Jakarta, Monday, March 6.
Chairman of NOC Indonesia, Raja Sapta Oktohari said that all members had agreed with the award. President Jokowi is considered to have made a big contribution in advancing sports achievements in the country.
"The results of the opening that was carried out earlier were agreed upon and approved by members of the Indonesian Olympic Committee through our recommendation to give the highest title as the Father of Indonesian Sports to President Joko Widodo," said Okto, Raja Sapta Oktohari's nickname.
According to Okto, Indonesia could hold various international events in the era of President Jokowi's leadership. That is also one of the considerations for giving the title.
As is known, during Jokowi's leadership, Indonesia hosted the XVIII/2018 Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang and Asian Para Games III/2018 in Jakarta.
In addition, continued Okto, Indonesia also hosts various single events such as the FIBA Basketball World Cup, FIFA U-20 World Cup, F1 Powerboat, MotoGP, and others.
"Then there is the World Beach Games (2023), and there is also a plan to host the Olympics," Okto said, as reported by Antara. "All of that has direct presidential support."
Another reason is because throughout the history of Indonesian sports, said Okto, only Jokowi gave big bonuses to all outstanding athletes and coaches.
He also did not differentiate between the bonuses to Olympic and Paralympic athletes. In addition, Jokowi also often shares moments of activity while exercising.
In fact, Jokowi also often comes directly to watch sports matches so that the title as the Father of Indonesian Sports is very suitable for him.
"We apologize better late than not, we just want to give the title of Mr. Indonesian Sports because of Pak Jokowi's love for sports people in Indonesia," he said.
Before officially giving the title of Mr. Olahraga Indonesia to Jokowi, Okto said that NOC Indonesia would first communicate with the president. "If we wish, we will formalize the award of the title," said Okto.
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