Optimistic That Indonesia's Target At The Tokyo Olympics Is Fulfilled, Menpora: 2 Medals Have Been Achieved, It Strengthens What We Count

Menpora Zainudin Amali (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Zainudin Amali is optimistic that Indonesia's target to improve performance by entering the top 40 in the medal list is fulfilled, considering that several sports are still competing at the Tokyo Olympics.

"God willing, the target can be met, namely the ranking of the Tokyo Olympics is better than the previous Olympics. There are still Indonesian teams competing," said Menpora Amali in a virtual interview on TVRI's Talk Indonesia Dialogue program, as quoted by Antara on the Ministry of Youth and Sports' official website, Tuesday, July 27.

So far, Indonesia has won two medals from weightlifting. Each went through lifter Windy Cantika Aisah with bronze in the women's 49 kg number and and Eko Yuli Irawan who won silver in the men's 61 kg number.

Overall, Indonesia sent 28 athletes to participate in eight sports at the Tokyo Olympics, namely, weightlifting, swimming, surfing, rowing, archery, shooting, badminton and athletics.

As of Tuesday, at 15.00 WIB, Indonesia is in the order of 32. While China is still firmly at the top with nicks of 9 gold, 5 silver and 7 bronze.

The second position is occupied by the United States (US) with 8 gold, 5 silver and 8 bronze. The host Japan is in third position by pocketing 8 gold, 3 silver, 4 bronze.

"We are still monitoring the progress of the Tokyo Olympics, because there are still Indonesian teams competing. At least with the two medals that have been won, it means strengthening what we have calculated, namely improving the rankings," said Amali.

According to Amali, this target is considered very realistic. This is because the Ministry of Youth and Sports together with academics, sports practitioners, and related stakeholders have calculated the opportunities for Indonesia's chances at the Tokyo Olympics.

Then, plus the birth of a national sports grand design, it is even more convincing that this target can be achieved.

“Now, the grand design of national sport has been born. So we put this Olympics as the main target. The Asian Games and the SEA Games are intermediate targets. Therefore, the athletes who enter the Olympics are those who have been tested from previous qualifications," said Amali.

Menpora also explained, every Olympics in the future will be planned to increase the target of the Indonesian team in improving the rankings.

"So we want to design achievements, achievements can no longer be found. Everything must be prepared," he said.