After The Champion, Menpora Hopes Pencak Silat Will Be Competed In The Olympics

Indonesia is the overall champion in the 20th World Pencak Silat Championship (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - After Indonesia emerged as the overall champion of the 20th World Pencak Silat Championship and 5th Junior World Pencak Silat Championship in Abu Dhabi, Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Ario Bimo Nandito Ariotedjo wanted the sport to be competed in the Olympics.

He hopes that the championship, which was attended by representatives from 57 countries and held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on December 18-22, can be proof that pencak silat is in great demand by many countries in the world.

"There are around 1,100 participants from 57 countries who are evidence of the potential for pencak silat to become a global sport," said the minister who is often called Dito in a written statement from the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Jakarta, Wednesday.

He explained that Indonesia sent 170 athletes to carry out the mission to embrace participating countries and show the best abilities in the championship.

Because, the most important thing is to spread the spirit and values of pencak silat to all participating countries, as well as strengthen friendship between countries and the nation.

That way, Dito hopes that the sport will get recognition from the International Olympic Committee (OIC) so that it can be competed in the future.

He further explained that Indonesia's participation in the event was part of the collaboration with the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Sports.

According to the Minister of Youth and Sports, this collaboration is a symbol of the friendship between Indonesia and the UAE and evidence of the UAE's commitment to support pencak silat so that it can be echoed in the world.

"In April, we and the UAE Sports Minister signed a cooperation agreement, one of which supported Abu Dhabi as the host of the 20th Pencak Silat World Championship," said the youngest minister in the Red and White Cabinet.

In the 20th World Pencak Silat Championship, Indonesia leads the medals with 11 gold, seven silver, and five bronze. Followed by Vietnam with 10 gold, three silver, and three bronze and Malaysia in third place with six gold, nine silver, and four bronze.

Meanwhile, at the 5th Junior World Pencak Silat Championship, Merah Putih again became the best with 11 gold, three silver, and two bronze, followed by Singapore in second place with nine gold, three silver, and eight bronze, and Kazakhstan in third place with five gold, seven silver, and 10 bronze.