Menpora Appreciates Jakarta for Sending Many Athletes to Popnas XVI

Youth and Sports Minister (Menpora), Ario Bimo Nandito Ariotedjo appreciated the Jakarta Provincial Government for sending many student-athletes to the National Student Sports Week (Popnas) XVI 2023.

This is very important to build the spirit of achievement for athletes in Indonesia

According to him, Popnas is a big milestone and a springboard for junior athletes or students to compete in a bigger multi-event event.

"I appreciate the three provinces with the most Popnas athletes. It is followed by South Sumatra as the host with 371 athletes, West Java with 368 athletes, and Jakarta with 349 athletes," he expressed, on the sidelines of the Popnas XVI Opening Ceremony at Palembang Sport and Convention Center, South Sumatra, Sunday (8/27) night.

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He explained that Popnas is a competition event that is part of the continuous development of athletes. Besides honing talents and skills, it is also useful for improving the mentality of athletes competing, including for later when competing at the international level.

"This is very important to build the spirit of achievement for athletes in Indonesia," he explained.

He hoped that in the upcoming Popnas event, there would also be additions to the sports that are contested.

"We'll see the progress again. As for this year's Popnas, there have been additional bicycle sports," he added.

He also appreciated the South Sumatera Governor's role, Herman Deru, as well as his staff and stakeholders in organizing Popnas XVI.

"My thanks and appreciation to him. South Sumatra continues to progress despite being the sole host," he uttered.

Jakarta Youth and Sports Agency Head, Andri Yansyah uttered the many athletes from Jakarta also indicated that some 22 sports were contested, all of which were followed by Jakarta athletes

"If all sports are participated in by Jakarta athletes, that means that all Jakarta athletes have passed the selection in Pre-Popnas XVI," he said.

In the Sports Law system, there are three variables, namely achievement sports, recreational sports, and educational sports.

"These three variables must go hand in hand. Recreational sports and education must also prioritize local wisdom. So, sports not only achieve achievements but can also improve the economy wherever the event is held," he added.

South Sumatra had experience in holding international sporting events as it hosted the Asian Games with Jakarta in 2018.

"I appreciate South Sumatra's readiness for this year's Popnas event. Hopefully, it can be an example for other provinces in Indonesia. This sporting event is not only to improve performance but also to have a good impact on the economy," he stressed.

As for the information, the opening ceremony of Popnas XVI was lively. The athletes and officials who attended were also entertained by cultural arts performances and performances by famous artist, Lyodra.