Menpora Asked Other Sports To Imitate Badminton Creativity

The Minister of Youth and Sports Zainudin Amali (Photo: Kemenpora)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) is holding an internal tournament amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament, entitled PBSI Home Tournament, was quite successful in terms of implementation.

This event also received appreciation from the Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Zainudin Amali. The man from Gorontalo encourages every sport to imitate PBSI, which develops creativity in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The hope is, of course, to maintain the condition of athletes to keep achieving when the tournament is actually held.

"So, sports must be creative. The badminton field can (hold a home tournament), others cannot. But, it must comply with health protocols,"

Menpora Zainudin Amali

However, not all sports can follow PBSI's footsteps in holding an internal tournament. According to the Menpora, sports that are not in direct physical contact can hold championships internally.

"Later, I will convey it to other sports, and especially those that do not have direct physical contact. If not soccer or basketball, yes," said the Menpora.

The Golkar Party politician emphasized that every sport must prepare its athletes for future championships, especially the Olympics. Preparation is not only enough to hold exercises. Menpora assessed that it is necessary to hold a tournament internally.

"So they can prove the results of their training so far. Do not feel bored," said Zainudin Amali.

The Menpora asked that the long enough time to go to the Olympics was really used to improve athletes' performance. He also called on athletes to maintain stamina and implement health protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, PBSI warmly welcomed the appreciation from Menpora. PBSI Secretary General, Achamd Budiharto said that his party will continue to create to make it better in the future.