JAKARTA - In a corner of a residence in Bali, a warm atmosphere emerged in the middle of a casual conversation between two men. One is Lieutenant General TNI Purn Marciano Norman, Chairman of the Central KONI. The other is a figure whose blows were feared throughout the continent: Pino Jeffta Udayana Bahari.
Pino is not alone. Beside him sits Julio Bria, a pupil and witness of how Pino's cold hands were able to manipulate talent into gold medals at the SEA Games. However, the afternoon meeting was not about the sound of boxing gloves on the ring, but about an award for those who have spent their youth for the Red and White.
The legacy of Daniel Bahari's hands
The name Pino Bahari is a living monument to Indonesian boxing. Born in Denpasar, October 15, 1972, Pino is the "product" of his father's love and strict discipline, legendary coach Daniel Bahari. Since the age of five - the age when other children are busy playing - Pino has known the smell of sweat and the texture of boxing gloves.
The world recorded him as the "King of Asia" when he won the gold medal at the 1990 Beijing Asian Games. He was part of the fragrant Bahari dynasty; along with his younger brothers Nemo and Daudy, they brought the name of Indonesia to the Olympic stage.
However, the human body has its limits. The severe spinal injury he suffered before the 1996 Atlanta Olympics was a turning point. Even though his body can no longer fight in the ring, his spirit never dies. He actually gave birth to new giants like Chris John and Daud Yordan.
The Voice of the Legend: About Old Times
During his visit, Marciano Norman came bearing a prayer. "Hopefully Pino's physical condition will soon recover and be able to return to activity. I hope legends like Pino continue to produce great athletes," he said sincerely.
However, behind his smile and friendliness, Pino conveyed a deep message. Not for himself, but for all national athletes who are currently struggling. Pino voiced the anxiety that often haunts sports heroes: Old days.
He hopes that there will be a real regulation regarding pension funds for outstanding athletes. A guarantee that those who were once worshiped when standing on the podium, will not be forgotten and have difficulties when their hair starts to turn gray.
Promise to the Hero
Hearing the legendary's anxiety, Marciano Norman did not stay silent. He is committed to fighting for the regulation. For him, an accomplished athlete deserves adequate support as a form of the country's gratitude.
Not only that, Marciano also tapped the hearts of figures and entrepreneurs to give more attention to Indonesian sports legends. Because after all, the glory of sports today stands on a foundation built with the blood and tears of predecessors such as Pino Bahari.
The afternoon visit ended with a great hope. That in the future, an athlete will not only be remembered when he hangs a medal, but will also be maintained his dignity until old age.
Get well, the King of Asia. The ring of life is still waiting for your cold hands to score new champions.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
