KOI's Message To Conflicting Countries: The Interest Of Sport Is Not Personal, But The Dignity Of The Nation

Chairman of KOI Raja Sapta Oktohari (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) conveyed a message of peace to countries in conflict in commemoration of Olympic Day or Olympic Day which is commemorated on June 23.

Chairman of KOI Raja Sapta Oktohari in his written statement said that sport is the right means to bring a message of peace in the midst of the conditions of conflict between countries that are still happening today.

The conflict, he said, would not only harm the athletes, but would also result in the possibility of banning conflicting countries from participating in international multi-events. However, sport is present as a universal communication tool to unite various backgrounds without discrimination.

"Through the celebration of Olympic Day this year, the Indonesian Olympic Committee is seriously voicing the message of peace," said Oktohari as quoted from Antara, Friday, June 24.

"Even though competing to be champions, sport can always show the side of friendship and respect on the field," he added.

The man who is familiarly called Okto also invited the national sports federations that were still having disagreements to be able to resolve the conflicts that occurred, especially the parent organization to be a role model and protector for athletes and stakeholders.

"The interests of sport are not personal, but the interests and dignity of the nation. In the course of friction, friction may occur, but our goal and our spirit is one, which is to make Indonesia Raya reverberate throughout the world and the Red and White flag to fly at the highest peak. We must show sport Indonesia can unite for the sake of creating achievements towards a better world arena," said Okto.

At this year's celebration, KOI plans to celebrate Olympic Day through a number of programs, such as a photo exhibition of Indonesian athletes' fighters at the 2021 Vietnam SEA Games and closing with the peak event of the Olympic Day Run on September 11, 2022.