Boyolali – Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora), Dito Ariotedjo, welcomed the arrival of the Indonesian contingent of Para-Asian athletes at Adi Soemarmo Airport. Dito also promised bonuses to athletes.

“We welcome the entire Indonesian contingent, the Hangzhou Asian Paralympics contingent,” said Dito Ariotedjo while welcoming the athletes at the international arrival terminal of Adi Soemarmo Airport, Boyolali, Sunday (29/10/2023 ).

The group of athletes and officials arrived at Adi Soemarmo Airport, from China, around 5:15 p.m. WIB. The Minister of Youth and Sports then decorated each athlete and official with a garland of jasmine flowers.

In this Asian-level sporting event for people with disabilities, Indonesia achieved great success. Indonesia ranked 6th with 29 gold, 30 silver and 36 bronze medals. This result exceeds the objective set, namely to enter the top 10.

“Today, I would like to convey the great thanks expressed by Mr. President Jokowi as well as the Indonesian government,” Dito said.

“Because Indonesia is consistent, as I said at the inauguration. We have a hat trick as overall ASEAN champions, that means you don’t just go there in as Indonesia, but as the leader of a Southeast Asian country. And you proved it once again at the Asian Games that we are the ones leading Southeast Asia and only slightly behind India,” he continued.

Dito also appreciated the many stories and record-breaking achievements made by Indonesian Para Games athletes at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games.

According to him, this indicates that the long-term programs set by the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) related to Pelatnas are on track.

“In addition, next November the construction of the training center will begin, this will bring new life and also new energy for the future of the NPC and also the disabled athletes in Indonesia,” said Dito.

Dito hopes that the NPC will prepare for the regeneration of athletes. He is optimistic that in the future, Indonesia will continue to be inclusive and focus on the development of Paralympic sports.

Regarding bonuses for athletes, Dito promised that there would be some. “There will definitely be bonuses and God willing, we will fight for others. But the most important thing is that when you receive (the bonus), it will always be well managed, in the interest of a better future. It is also Message from President Joko Widodo,” he explained.

The reception for the group of Indonesian Para-Asian Games athletes was lively. After getting off at the airport and following the welcome procession, the athletes then paraded to Solo’s hotel.

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(dil/dil)