Heru Releases Jakarta Contingent Competing in Aceh-North Sumatra PON 2024

Jakarta Acting Governor, Heru Budi Hartono, confirmed and released the departure of 1,046 Jakarta athletes at the Jakarta International Velodrome, East Jakarta, Monday (8/19).

True victory is not only measured by the medals you win, but also by your attitude and behavior on the field

The Jakarta contingent will take part in the National Sports Week (PON) which will take place from September 9 to 20, 2024, in Aceh and North Sumatra. On that occasion, he prayed that the athletes who would compete in PON could compete and fight optimally.

"Representing the Jakarta Provincial Government, I wish congratulations and success to the 1,046 athletes who will fight to show their best abilities in 1,042 competition events. Hopefully, this PON can be used as a competition event to prove oneself in achieving achievements as well as create future superior athletes in Indonesia," he expressed, as quoted by Jakarta Government's official site.

Jakarta KONI is Optimistic about Bringing Back Overall Champion of PON XXI

At PON 2021 in Papua, the Jakarta contingent finished as runners-up in the final medal standings. Therefore, Jakarta's performance must be better in holding this PON. He urged all athletes to always maintain Jakarta's good name by upholding sportsmanship.

"Remember that true victory is not only measured by the medals you win, but also by your attitude and behavior on the field. Thank you for the hard work of the coaches, managers, and officials who always guide, direct, and hone the athletes' abilities. We, together with the community, will continue to support and pray for the best for the Jakarta Contingent's struggle," he explained.

Jakarta KONI Chairman, Hidayat Humaid said his party was collaborating with 21 state and private universities in Jakarta, to provide scholarships to athletes who won gold medals at PON XXI 2024 which was held in Aceh and North Sumatra. Aside that, Jakarta KONI also made an agreement with Jakarta BUMD to open up job opportunities for athletes in their respective fields.

"This is a joint effort to improve the education and welfare of Jakarta athletes. We express our gratitude to the Jakarta  Government, DPRD, BUMD, university leaders, and other parties who have helped," he explained.

Jakarta DPRD Chairman, Prasetyo Edi Marsudi also wished the Jakarta athletes a happy competition. Besides being a means of sharpening oneself and improving one's abilities, hopefully, this PON could become a place for friendship and increase connections between athletes in Indonesia.

"Besides competing, every match can also be a forum for friendship and increasing connections, because who knows, maybe they could become our partners when competing in international events, when defending Indonesia. Hope Jakarta athletes can make the most of this opportunity and continue to excel in the future," he explained.

As for the information, the Jakarta contingent will participate in 85 sports. The Jakarta Contingent's target is to win General Champion by winning 207 gold medals.