By: Madi Al-Hadi
The XXI National Sports Week (PON) in Aceh and North Sumatra is an event that is highly anticipated by all sports lovers in Indonesia. In addition to being a stage for athletes to show off their skills, this PON also plays an important role as a momentum to maintain sportsmanship and raise the nation’s good name on the world stage.
In this prestigious event, all contingents involved, from athletes, coaches, to officials, are required to not only demonstrate their best physical and strategic abilities, but also uphold the values of ethics, honesty, and fair play.
The Riau Islands Province (Kepri) for example, through the local Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI), held Provincial Training (Pelatprov) for athletes who will participate in PON XXI. Not only providing technical supplies, this training also provides moral encouragement for athletes to maintain sportsmanship, a champion mentality, and togetherness.
The training held by KONI Kepri at the Batam Hajj Dormitory, and taking place from 1 to 7 August 2024, is a crucial moment for athletes from Kepri. With the number of participants representing 31 sports (cabor), this training not only focuses on improving the technical abilities of athletes, but also psychological and motivational provision. This was stated by the Regional Secretary (Sekda) of Kepri Province, Adi Prihantara, when officially opening the event.
In his speech, Adi appreciated the steps taken by KONI Pemprov Kepri which has held a series of preparations starting from athlete selection to provincial training. According to him, this effort is not only important in improving the physical performance of athletes, but also in fostering a great soul and strong mentality. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining sportsmanship and good behavior during the match.
This message is very relevant, considering that PON XXI is not only about individual or regional achievements, but also how athletes can become sports ambassadors who represent the nation in the eyes of the world.
Victory is not only judged by medals, but also by sportsmanship and ethics in competing. Adi also added that athletes must maintain their competitive spirit, discipline, and physical and mental health throughout the PON event.
In addition to Kepri, East Java province is also no less serious in preparing its contingent. One of the regions that made a major contribution to the XXI PON event is Banyuwangi, which sent 22 of its best athletes.
Banyuwangi Regent, Ipuk Fiestiandani, gave a strong message to the athletes in a meeting at the Pendopo Sabha Swagata Blambangan on September 5, 2024. He advised the athletes to maintain their health, enthusiasm, and especially sportsmanship while competing in PON.
On that occasion, Ipuk also expressed her pride because Banyuwangi managed to send the largest number of athletes in the history of its participation in PON. From only 13 athletes in the previous PON, now Banyuwangi is sending 22 athletes who will compete in 12 different sports.
KONI Banyuwangi Chairman Ahmad Khairullah also emphasized his optimism that several athletes from Banyuwangi have the potential to bring home gold medals for the East Java contingent. Among the sports that are Banyuwangi’s mainstays are kabaddi, hapkido, and karate.
Thorough preparation over the past year has given them confidence that they are ready to compete at the national level and give their best for East Java and Banyuwangi.
Behind the thorough preparation carried out by various regions, what is no less important is the commitment to sportsmanship. PON XXI is not only an event to achieve achievements, but also a stage to show the world that Indonesia is a nation that upholds ethics and integrity in sports.
Every athlete who competes in this PON not only carries the name of their region, but also carries the name of Indonesia in the international arena. Sportsmanship is the essence of sports, which is not only about how someone wins a match, but also how they accept defeat with their heads held high.
By placing sportsmanship above all else, PON XXI athletes have the opportunity to become role models not only for the young generation of Indonesia, but also for athletes from other countries who witness this event.
PON XXI Aceh-Sumut is not only a sports competition, but also a reflection of the nation’s personality. In every match, behind the spirit to win a gold medal, there is a great responsibility to maintain sportsmanship, ethics, and togetherness.
Through this event, Indonesia has the opportunity to show the world that we are a nation that not only excels in sports, but also a nation that upholds noble values in every aspect of life, including in competition.
Therefore, to all athletes, coaches, and officials involved, make PON XXI a momentum to not only achieve achievements, but also to maintain the good name of the nation. Keep fighting with passion, discipline, and sportsmanship, because true victory is when we are able to maintain the dignity and honor of the nation in the eyes of the world.
*) Student of Syiah Kuala University