The Olympics During The Pandemic Changes The Map Of The Powers Of The Participating Countries, Indonesia Drops 9 Ranks Compared To 2016

Raja Sapta Oktohari (Doc. NOC Indonesia)

JAKARTA - The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many things at the Tokyo Olympics. The chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (NOC Indonesia) Raja Sapta Oktohari assesses that the competitive landscape of the participating countries has also changed.

Indonesia closed its appearance at the Tokyo Olympics by occupying the 55th position with a collection of 5 medals, namely 1 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze. If you look at the rankings, Indonesia's position is down 9 places compared to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics when Indonesia won 1 gold medal and 2 silver medals.

"If you look at the map of Southeast Asia's strengths, Indonesia is ranked second after the Philippines. However, Indonesia has the potential to increase its medal position in weightlifting. Bronze Windy Cantika Aisyah (women's 49kg class) has the potential to become silver if the gold medal winner (from China, Hou Zhihui) can be proven to be doping," said Okto, Raja Sapta's nickname, Monday, August 9 in an official statement received by the editors, Monday, August 9th.

Okto explained, there were 93 (45.15 percent) countries out of 206 participants who managed to get medals. This means that there is an increase of 7 countries (3.6 percent) compared to the Rio Olympics.

In addition, explained Okto, there are 17 countries that get a sharp jump from the Rio Olympics. For example, Norway was ranked 20th in Tokyo compared to the previous 74th in Rio. There are also, Bułgaria (30 in Tokyo, 66 in Rio) and Chinese Taipei (34 in Tokyo, 50 in Rio).

There are even countries that were previously without medals in Rio, but now occupy the middle position, such as Uganda (36), Ecuador (38), and Hong Kong (49).

“But there are also those who have experienced a decline, such as Argentina which previously ranked 27 in Rio, kiwi is ranked 72. Kazakhstan which is in Rio 22 is now in 83 position, Colombia in Rio 23 is now 66, Bahrain previously 48 in Tokyo is only able to be in ranked 77, South Africa from 30th position in Rio is now in Tokyo Rank 52, Ethiopia which in Rio is two ranks above Indonesia, is now at 56th. Likewise, Thailand which in Rio 35 is now 52, is below Indonesia, "added Okto .

Apart from that, Okto made the results of the Tokyo Olympics a valuable lesson for Indonesia. Now, it's time to look at the 2024 Paris Olympics, especially since three of the six athletes who won medals in Tokyo are less than 23 years old. They, said Okto, have the potential to perform in Paris.

"As many as 14 Indonesian athletes who have dropped or 50 percent are aged less than or equal to 23 years. And 21 athletes or 75 percent by age may still appear following the qualification to Paris. For example, if Greysia and Eko are disciplined in practicing, taking care of their physicality, good nutrition, they still have the opportunity to appear again in Paris," concluded Okto.