He delivered the message while sending off the Indonesian contingent for the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand during an official ceremony at the State Palace here on Friday.
Prabowo reflected on his youth, recalling a time when he once dreamed of representing Indonesia in global sports.
“As a young man, I wondered whether I would ever have the chance to represent my country on the world stage, and today you have been given that honor,” he said.
He noted that the dream never came true, even as he built a career that led him to become a general, chair a political party, and now serve as President of the Republic of Indonesia.
“I became a general, a senior officer, the leader of a political party, and now I have been entrusted with the mandate of President of the Republic of Indonesia, but I never achieved what I once dreamed of as a young man,” he said.
The President emphasized that every athlete competing at the SEA Games has undergone rigorous training and a long selection process before earning the opportunity to represent the nation.
He also highlighted that sports mirror life, requiring resilience and discipline.
He explained that the roots of global sports traditions, including the Olympics, stem from martial disciplines such as running, javelin, archery, horseback riding, and shooting.
“A nation that excels in sports is a nation with a strong spirit. Remember that,” Prabowo said.
The send-off ceremony was attended by athletes from various disciplines, along with coaches, officials, and team members who will soon compete under Indonesia’s flag at this year’s SEA Games.
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Translator: Andi Firdaus, Mentari Dwi Gayati, Primayanti
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
