CHAIRMAN of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) Raja Sapta Oktohari (Okto) emphasized the importance of mental revolution and adherence to Olympic values to raise the level of Indonesian sports in the eyes of the world.
As a large nation, Indonesia has a dream of hosting world sporting events. Several world sports agendas have been included in the list, such as the 2025 World Gymnastics Championships, the U-19 Basketball World Cup, up to the Youth Olympic Games and the 2036 Olympics.
However, incidents of racism carried out by netizens on social media platforms following the Indonesian U-23 National Team lost 0-1 to Guinea in the 2024 Paris Olympic playoffs is a warning. Indonesia must be able to uphold the values of Olympicism so that it can raise the level of Indonesian sports in the eyes of the world.
“Indonesia has a dream of hosting the Olympics and many other world-class multi-sport events. But if we still have racism and discrimination, our sport will never level up. “This mentality must be corrected,” said Okto.
Referring to the Olympic Charter, according to Okto, NOC Indonesia needs to emphasize its stance as a great nation that there should be no discrimination in sports. According to him, the Olympic values clearly state that there are things called Excellent, Friendship and Respect.
“We must maintain these values. Indonesia must have a voice for no racism, no discrimination and keep sports as a neutral zone. “The attitude of the Indonesian NOC is clear as guarding and upholding the Olympic Charter, so we emphasize that there is no discrimination in sports activities,” he stressed.
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“Don’t let us be dwarfed in international sports circles because we discriminate in sports, especially once morest athletes. “Sport is an independent activity that prioritizes sportsmanship, respect and friendship,” added Okto.
According to Okto, this is the basis for the Olympic movement to build its activities to advance sports, culture and education with the aim of building a better world.
Okto quoted the statement of the Father of the Olympics, Pierre Le Coubertin, who said that peace would never be achieved without separating the races. Okto emphasized that the Olympic Charter guarantees that competing athletes must not face discrimination in any form, such as race, skin color, gender, sexual orientation, language, religion, political opinion or other things related to national, social, property, birth or other origins. other status.
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“So through sporting activities, we must show our maturity in placing ourselves on the world stage. Moreover, we are aiming or targeting to be able to host the Olympics in 2036,” hoped Okto.
Okto further stated that the extraordinary struggle of the U-23 National Team so far might be used as momentum and opportunity for Indonesia to host various international single events and multi-events.
On the other hand, sports must also focus on developing young people. Especially the opportunity for young athletes to take part in world level championships.
“For this reason, maturity is needed for all parties so that Indonesia can become a friendly country for international sports. Moreover, Indonesia has a dream of holding the Olympics and Youth Olympics,” he added. (RO/Z-6)
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