I hope Papua would become a center for the development of athletes in eastern Indonesia, as the facilities in Jayapura, Mimika, and Merauke are satisfactory.
Timika, Papua (ANTARA) - The Central National Sports Committee (KONI) suggested to the Papua provincial government to make billiards as one of its mainstay sports to be competed at various national events owing to the presence of international-standard facilities.

According to KONI, the facility is the SP5 Billiards sports building located in Timika City, Mimika District. It is one of the arenas of the Papua National Sports Week (PON) that is designed in line with international competition standards.

"I think billiards should be Papua's top sport in the upcoming events, as the arena is excellent. If Papua can continue to utilize (the arena), it is not impossible that (Papua's billiards) will be successful in Aceh PON," Central KONI's Chairman, Marciano Norman, stated here on Wednesday.


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By utilizing the billiard building, Norman is optimistic that Papua would become champions in the branch and raise its prestige in the competition.

Norman believes it is not only about assets, but he also views Papua as being competent in developing new athletes.

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The two gold medals and a bronze won in billiards by Papua in the first week of PON reflect the ability of Papua's Indonesian Billiards Association (POBSI) in building its athletes, he noted.

"With the gold medal achievement, I am certain that billiards will be their mainstay sport. In addition to being the location of the game, I hope Papua would become a center for the development of athletes in eastern Indonesia, as the facilities in Jayapura, Mimika, and Merauke are satisfactory," he remarked.

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Earlier, Governor of Central Java Ganjar Pranowo, who visited the modern and classy billiard building at Mimika District to watch his province's athletes, also praised the sports facilities of the building.

According to Pranowo, the billiard arena at Papua's PON is very advanced and can serve as an example for other areas.

"In my opinion, the billiard arena in Mimika is the coolest. Usually, only the tables were prepared for billiards matches, but here it is replete with a building and its supporting facilities," he noted.

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Translator: Roy B, Kenzu T
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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