Insha Allah (God willing), our Chairman Mr. Pandjaitan will come tomorrow and open the eventJakarta (ANTARA) - Chairman of the Indonesian Athletics Association (PB PASI) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan is scheduled to open the 20th PON National Games in Papua for the athletics match on Tuesday, October 4.
"Insha Allah (God willing), our Chairman Mr. Pandjaitan will come tomorrow and open the event," Technical Delegate of Athletics Dwi Priyono told Antara at the GOR Mimika Sports Complex, Mimika District, Papua, Monday.
Priyono remarked that Pandjaitan, concurrently the coordinating minister for maritime affairs and investment, will inaugurate the Mimika Sport Complex building whose construction had begun in 2013.
After the inauguration event, he noted that Pandjaitan will open the first men's 5,000 meters final and hand over medals to the winners.
"Our plan is that he will fire the gun to start the 5,000 meters run. Insha Allah, we also hope that he would be able to give the medals (to the champions)," he affirmed.
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On the occasion, Priyono noted that work on the athletics arena for the National Sports Week (PON) XX Papua was 95-percent complete.
Priyono spoke of his team having prepared all equipment to be used in various competition categories. On Monday, he confirmed that the committee had tested the preparedness of the arena's photo finish and start block.
"This morning, athletes have tested the start block equipment with a new photo finish system. The results are ready," he state.
Priyono is also upbeat that the athletics matches would run smoothly and successfully. Thus, the matches would generate great athletes.
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Moreover, he invited Papuans to join in enlivening athletics matches by being present at the stadium.
"We are optimistic of people continuing to come. Although athletics is not as spectacular as basketball, there are Papuan athletes as well, and of course, they need their home's support," he affirmed.
Matches for athletics at the PON XX Papua will be held on October 5-14, 2021, at the Mimika Sport Complex building and Freeport Kuala Kencana Complex.
The athletes will contest in 23 men's and women's match categories for securing 46 gold medals, 46 silver medals, and 46 bronze medals.
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Translator: Fathur R, Kenzu T
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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