Ijeck, the nickname of Musa Rajekshah, admitted that the provincial government of North Sumatra (Pemprov) has welcomed the holding of this event to support the improvement of the economy of the community of all lines, especially tourism . “We support and are happy for the event to come to North Sumatra, the scale is not only national, but international. We want to revive the economy of North Sumatra from all lines. And last but not least, this moment supports us as the host of PON 2024 to generate excitement among regional athletes, especially from Toba and surrounding regions,” Ijeck said after receiving a visit from the Pan-Association Board of Directors. Indonesian Judo Federation (PB PJSI) at his office, Cemara Asri Complex, Saturday (3/9/2022) PB PJSI special staff Luhut Hutagalung accompanied by PJSI President Pengprov North Sumatra Mr Arief Fadhillah. Also present were North Sumatran judo athletes Helena Susyen, Nanda Olivia Banurea and coach Riki Ramadhani. “Tourism is our impetus to elevate ourselves. In addition, Lake Toba is a super priority announced by the President. This event should therefore be prepared on Lake Toba. We are preparing everything and we hope to generate enthusiasm among regional athletes, especially the Toba region and its surroundings,” continued Ijeck. From August 26 to 28, 2022 in Cilodong, West Java. North Sumatra won a gold medal thanks to Helena Susyen and a bronze thanks to Nanda Olivia Banurea. Additionally, six athletes from North Sumatra were also called up to participate in the 2023 SEA Games National Training Squad. Besides Helena Susyen and Nanda Olivia Banuera, there were Okky Wicaksono, winner Felix Panggabean, Gusti Irawan Gowasa and Willy Pratama.

It is hoped that Ijeck’s achievements at the national championships and being called up to participate in the national training selection will be a trigger for the athletes to be even more motivated. He admitted that athletes need flight hours and adequate combat opponents to be able to improve their abilities. “I am happy that the regional judo administrator, Pak Arief, has shown his seriousness so that the athletes qualify for the national training. Hopefully their abilities can be increased by more training. As many events as possible should take place in North Sumatra where these athletes are sent to various events because they also need sparring opponents not just locals It needs to be tested with people outside of North Sumatra Let the coaches know also how to measure the ability of their athletes,” explained Ijeck. Ijeck hopes that all sports administrators in North Sumatra can continue to show enthusiasm in the development of their athletes. “North Sumatra is respected in all sports. The potential is there, the human resources are capable, it’s just a question of how the sports management helps the government. KONI, we the government through Dispora will support this. We want PON to be the overall champion,” said Ijeck. Meanwhile, Head of PJSI North Sumatra, Pengprov M Arief Fadhillah, thanked Deputy Governor of North Sumatra, Ijeck for the North Athletes of Sumatra. Both morally and materially. “We are very grateful for the attention of the deputy governor who always supports the judo athletes of North Sumatra, including when they participate in the national championship. Of course, we will continue to strive to improve the athlete’s abilities so that he can achieve the medal goal in the next PON 2024”, he concluded.*