"The umpteenth award from the government is given to athletes who win medals in the areas of ASEAN, Asian, or world championships, including the road race and weightlifting champions of the world," the Youth and Sports Affairs Minister Imam Nahrawi noted after giving an award at his office here on Wednesday.
The appreciation from the government was in the form of scholarships for students under the age of 16, in addition to money for senior athletes, which would be sent directly to their accounts.
The athletes who received the final award that year included the U-12 and U-16 teams of the Indonesian soccer team. Indonesian athletes won medals at the 2018 Asian Autistic Games, as well as the weightlifting athletes who won medals at the 2018 Youth Olympics.
Athletes who received year-end awards from the government included Asian Para Games cyclist AM Fadli; Indonesian minor chess player Samantha Editso; and road race riders Rheza Danice Ahrena, Rafid Topan Sucipto, and Awhin Sanjaya.
This award is given in order to encourage Indonesia to prepare for the achievements ahead of the 2032 Olympics when Indonesia struggles to host. The event is an opportunity for all sports fans and the community to be involved in preparing themselves," Nahrawi remarked.
On the occasion, the minister asked parents of athletes to continue to support their children to become outstanding athletes in international championships following government awards, including the appointment of athletes as civil servants.
Reporting by Imam Santoso, Bustanuddin
Editing by Suharto
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
