They are aspiring Indonesian sports stars and the Tokyo Olympics has given them an introduction as well as insights.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Ambassador to the US and chef de mission (CdM) of the Indonesian contingent for the Tokyo Olympics, Rosan P. Roeslani, has expressed the possibility of the Merah Putih rowing team training in the United States.


In a press release issued by the National Olympics Committee (KOI) on Saturday, he said he has discussed the US training plan with Indonesian rowing manager and vice chairman of the board of All-Indonesia Rowing Sports Association (PB PODSI), Budiman Setiawan.



"I have spoken to the coach and Mr. Setiawan for (exploring) training opportunities in the United States, especially at Princeton, which is indeed one of the best (institutes offering such training)," Roeslani said.



"We will try to cooperate so that our athletes can train there. Also, we can check on other teamwork that has a positive impact on Indonesian athletes and sports in the future, especially rowing," he added.



According to Roeslani, the Indonesian rowing team has great potential to excel on the world stage as it includes athletes such as Mutiara Rahma Putri and Melani Putri, who are currently debuting at the Tokyo Olympics.



He saw Mutiara and Melani competing at the inaugural Rowing - Lightweight Women's Double Sculls at Sea Forest Waterway in Tokyo Bay on Saturday.



Although they finished last in Heat 1 with a 7-minute-52.57-second record, the CdM Contingent Indonesia said it was proud of Mutiara and Melani's performance.


Related news: Indonesian ambassador welcomes athletes, officers for Tokyo Olympics



"We know Mutiara is 17 years old and Melani is 21 years old. They are our assets for going beyond. They have given their best and we are all proud of them," Roeslani said.



The two athletes are assets that must be nurtured for the future of Indonesian sport, he remarked.



According to him, there are still many major sports events that they will take part in, such as the SEA Games, Asian Games, and the next Olympics.



"They are aspiring Indonesian sports stars and the Tokyo Olympics has given them an introduction as well as insights," he stressed.


Related news: Indonesian women's doubles pair Polii-Rahayu win Olympic opening match

Related news: Indonesia's daily COVID-19 deaths hit record 1,566

Translator: Muhammad Ramdan, Kenzu T
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021