Dear Sutjiati Narendra! PON Is Not A Parameter To The SEA Games, Persani Doesn't Even Register Your Name

Rhythmic gymnastics athlete, Sutjiati Kelanaritma Narendra (left), did not go to the 2021 SEA Games. (Photo: Instagram @sutji.ritma)

JAKARTA - The controversy over the departure of the rhythmic gymnastics athlete, Sutjiati Narendra, to the 2021 SEA Games continues. The review team for the National Sports Achievement Improvement (PPON) of the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora) spoke again.

The head of the Kemenpora PPON review team, Professor Asmawi, emphasized that the achievements at the National Sports Week (PON) were not a parameter to compete in the Hanoi SEA Games. He said his team had well-prepared and precise benchmarks.

Reliable data and track record are considered before assessing the athlete's eligibility to be sent to the SEA Games.

"Currently, Indonesia is entering a phase of change which of course not everyone can accept the change. Even though this change has referred to the regulations that must be adhered to for the advancement of Indonesian sports in the future through quality choices," Asmawi said in a written statement, as reported by Antara. .

Regarding Sutjiati being unable to go to the 2021 SEA Games, Asmawi also referred to PP Persani's decision. This is because the parent of gymnastics in Indonesia did not propose Sutjiati's name for review.

"Persani did not propose the name, even if we look at her last achievement in the international arena, the results are far away in rank. Especially if you refer to the results in Russia last year, they were only able to be in 47th position, so they cannot compete with other Southeast Asian athletes," he said. Asmawi.

Not only that, Asmawi also reminded that the PON champion does not actually have to go to the SEA Games when the required criteria are not met. Because, with their achievements and track record in previous events, it is difficult to catch up with other Asean countries' gymnastics athletes.

"If the record is too far away, even though the PON champion, how do you want to compete. Therefore, the PON results are not a parameter and are not necessarily great in PON and then they can compete at the Southeast Asian level," said Asmawi.

Previously, netizens were busy discussing the fate of Sutjiati Nurendra. He felt disappointed that he could not defend Indonesia at the 2021 SEA Games.