He assured that the government will fully support the strategic plan laid down in the road map.
"We vow to support in terms of budget for the badminton sports in Olympics, SEA Games, and Asian Games," he said.
He pointed out that badminton is one of Indonesia's flagship sports, hence, the government is very committed to supporting it.
"This needs communication, collaboration, and the road map prepared by PBSI, including the short-, medium-, and long-term planning," he said.
He expressed the hope that the PBSI will partner with private parties to open up more opportunities.
The minister also urged Imran to modernize the Cipayung National Centralized Training.
It is hoped that under Imran, PBSI, as an organization, can be united and endorse mutual assistance, and not be divided by factions, he said.
"Let's realize undivided PBSI; no more factions. We are all one for Indonesia. I call this united PBSI with the vision of badminton being the national pride and joy," Ariotedjo added.
Meanwhile, Imran said that he is ready to receive inputs and criticisms from the people and badminton lovers in the country.
"Critics and evaluation are motivations that are taken by the PBSI management daily," he added.
On Saturday, at the PBSI National Conference in Surabaya, East Java, Imran was elected as PBSI chair in place of Agung Firman Sampurna.
He was the sole candidate for the post and received approval from 34 out of the 38 provincial PBSI managements.
Indonesia has been a badminton powerhouse since the sport's inception, dominating the 1950s and 60s by winning multiple Thomas Cups (men's team) and Uber Cups (women's team).
The country has won eight gold medals in badminton since it became an Olympic sport in 1992. Until the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Indonesia had won 21 medals from this branch, with details of eight gold, six silver, and seven bronze.
Indonesia's badminton team at the Paris 2024 Olympics secured a bronze medal in women's singles through Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, but suffered disappointing early exits in men's singles.
Related news: Olympics: Mixed emotions for Indonesia's Gregoria after bronze win
Related news: PBSI focuses on sports science to boost athletes' achievements
Translator: Arnidhya Z, Kenzu
Editor: Tia Mutiasari
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
