Menpora Targets Indonesia To Reach 8th Position In FIBA Asia Cup

Menpora Zainudin Amali (DOK Kemenpora)

JAKARTA - Minister of Youth and Sports Zainudin Amali targets Indonesia to reach 8th position in the standings for the Asian basketball championship, the FIBA Asia Cup Indonesia 2021.

The FIBA Asia Cup will take place at Istora Senayan, Jakarta on 19-27 August. This Asian basketball tournament was participated by 15 countries.

This was conveyed by the Minister of Youth and Sports in a limited meeting chaired by President Joko Widodo at the State Palace today. According to Amali, this target is similar to what was done during the 2018 Asian Games.

"If we look in the mirror at the Asian Games, our national team is in the top 8 position. So God willing, it will be the same at FIBA Asia later. The President agreed and he gave us directions to prepare everything as well as possible because the time was tight. ," Amali said on the Presidential Secretariat's Youtube channel, Wednesday, June 2.

Amali explained the reason why the government was willing to host the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup. He admitted that he wanted Indonesia to have world achievements in the field of basketball.

Then when there was an offer to host the 2021 FIBA World Cup, Indonesia immediately stated its ability. Because, to be a participant in this tournament must take part in the qualifications.

"By hosting the FIBA Asia Cup, our chance to qualify for the FIBA World Cup is open. From the FIBA Asia Cup participants, the top 8 will be taken," said Amali.

"Well, if it was held in Indonesia, of course it would be a big opportunity for us. That's why we took the opportunity to host it," he continued.

The FIBA Asia Cup 2021 will be the first international sporting event at the Asian level for Indonesia after more than a year the whole world refrained from holding sports competitions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The FIBA Asia Cup 2021 logo features a trophy surrounded by a design that combines Batik patterns and references to the Javanese Eagle. This visual icon combines the unique attributes of the FIBA Asian Cup and Indonesia as the host country.

Not only that, Indonesia is currently preparing plans for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. The plan is that a new arena will be built at Gelora Bung Karno.