I believe that with strong cooperation and dedication, we can advance Indonesian sports to a higher level.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Youth and Sports Dito Ariotedjo represented President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) while opening the National Olympic Committee of Indonesia (NOC Indonesia) Congress in Jakarta on Friday.

Ariotedjo delivered Jokowi's remarks, thanking the chairman and executive committee of NOC Indonesia for their hard work.

Their efforts have ensured the participation of Indonesian athletes in multi-sport events, including the 2019 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, which was deferred until 2021; the 2021 SEA Games in Vietnam, which was delayed to 2022; and the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia.

The minister, who read out the president's remarks, also stated that the world of sports has faced tough challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the last three years.

However, achievements in the 2022 and 2023 SEA Games, as well as the ASEAN Para Games in the same year, have cultivated optimism and a positive trend in the world of Indonesian sports.

Moreover, NOC Indonesia is deemed capable of maintaining Indonesia's sports diplomacy at the international level, as evidenced by the country's efforts in expediting the resolution of the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA's) sanction.

NOC Indonesia is also expected to continue to synergize with the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI), so that Indonesia's sports achievements can continue to grow on the international stage.

In 2023, Indonesia will participate in two Asian-level sports events, namely the Asian Games and Asian Indoor Martial Arts Games.

NOC Indonesia was also reminded to continue to be the government's partner in developing the national athlete database with KONI, the national federation, and other stakeholders.

"I believe that with strong cooperation and dedication, we can advance Indonesian sports to a higher level," Ariotedjo affirmed.

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Translator: A Rauf Andar A, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Anton Santoso
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