"Our participation in this world slingshot championship is an effort to promote Indonesia's slingshot sports scene to the global arena," Head of Forspek's Research and Development Division Satria Conayio remarked when contacted via a phone call from Jakarta on Saturday.
The Indonesian delegation comprises Angga Ramadhan and Dody Dayu Ajie from Spectre Slingshot Club based in Surabaya, East Java; Budi Narwanto from WSC Slingshot Club in Wonogiri, Central Java; and Fudji Wong from Ketapel Mania Club hailing from Boyolali, Central Java.
He remarked that in the world tournament that draws participation from over 400 athletes from various countries, the four Indonesian athletes compete as Team Kurawa.
Conayio then emphasized that by partaking in the world championship, the four athletes target to make Indonesia's slingshot prowess recognized globally among other member countries of the World Slingshot Association.
He pointed out that most Indonesians still view slingshot, or catapult, as a mere traditional pastime since they are unaware of its developments as a sport on a larger scale.
"Hence, we hope that our participation in this prestigious competition will also help introduce slingshot sports to a broader population in Indonesia," he stated.
He then expressed belief that the world championship would not only offer opportunities for athletes to compete with opponents from across the globe but also serve as a platform for participating countries to display their cultural creativity.
Conayio stated that countries can showcase their slingshot products and exchange information related to slingshot sports.
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Translator: Aloysius L, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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