In addition to the SEA Games, the 2022 Asian games in Hangzhou, China, held in September 2023 will also be an intermediary target for the Indonesian contingent competing in the 2024 Olympics, he remarked.
"This is based on the spirit from the head of NOC (National Olympic Committee). Thus, our target is the Olympics," he stated at the Youth and Sports Ministry field here on Tuesday.
On the occasion, Ariotedjo expects that athletes can give it their all in order to achieve targets in the biggest Southeast Asia sports event.
"Fight as best you can by upholding (the spirit of) sportsmanship," he remarked.
According to the report, Indonesia sent a total of 599 athletes accompanied by coaches and team officials that comprised 230 people.
During the 32nd SEA Games, the Indonesian team participates in 31 out of the total 36 featured sports.
Moreover, in his speech, Ariotedjo also apologized for being unable to field athletes in five sports -- traditional chess, floorball, sailing, pétanque, and table tennis -- for the 2023 SEA Games.
"However, for those who do not participate, I expect that this becomes an additional motivation for us to advance and participate in the next event," he stated.
Specifically for table tennis, the minister said that the authorities are still working to send the Indonesian team to compete in the sport.
"In terms of administration here, it was already complete and ready. It is now only a matter of the administration in Cambodia. Insya Allah (God willing), we will fight for it," he told the media.
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Translator: Zaro Ezza S, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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