According to the Youth and Sports Ministry’s webpage monitored by ANTARA here on Tuesday, Ariotedjo stated that Indonesian athletes in this case are fairly superior, so the contingent should be able to emerge as the overall champion.
Furthermore, he said that Indonesia is considered to be advanced enough in six sports that it will participate in ASG 2024.
The six sports are athletics, swimming, badminton, basketball, pencak silat, and vovinam.
"Indonesia won gold for vovinam at last year’s SEA Games. Hence, I do not think it is impossible that the student athletes team can get the gold. Indonesia should be the overall champion," he remarked while releasing the Indonesian contingent for ASG 2024 at the ministry’s auditorium.
Nonetheless, he advised student athletes to not be burdened by the expectations placed on them.
Ariotedjo said his opinion was only a form of motivation and support from the government to be the first step for student athletes to become world-class athletes in future.
Hence, he called on them to put in their best efforts and keep up the spirit of sportsmanship during the match.
"Always remember for sure that we all (the government) are behind you and always support your work and career in the future," the youngest minister in the Onward Indonesia Cabinet stated.
According to Ariotedjo, young athletes must demonstrate their talent, discipline, and high fighting spirit while in Vietnam in order to showcase the nation's identity.
Related news: Accuracy-based sports have potential to take Indonesia globally
Related news: President promotes Asian Games among senior high school students
Related news: Indonesian swimmer Azzahra adds training segment during Asean School Games
Translator: Donny A, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
