Asian Games 2018: Kalla Says to Prioritize Athlete`s Achievement
8 March 2018 18:30 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Vice President Jusuf Kalla discussed the preparation of the Asian Games 2018. He met with the officials of Youth and Sports Ministry, CdM Asian Games, KONI and also the sports representatives to discuss the athlete`s achievement.
Jusuf Kalla stressed the importance of athlete’s achievement in the Asian Games, besides the infrastructure availability and smooth implementation. Athlete’s achievement is the pride of the nation.
“Because, in the end, people will not remember the opening of the event, but they will always remember what position we are in the Asian Games, and that will stick to people’s mind for decades,” said Kalla in Jakarta, Thursday, March 8.
Read: Asian Games to Affect Long-Term Investments: Kalla
Kalla noted that Indonesia managed to reach the 17th position at the Asian Games in Korea. This year he targets Indonesia to enter the top 10. Therefore, Indonesian athletes must achieve at least 16 gold medals.
The government tried to support the athletes to reach their achievements. One of the supports is through the autonomy budget distribution; the budget distribution will no longer through the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
In the meeting, Jusuf Kalla also ensured that there was no shortage of allowance for athletes and coaches. “They used to always complain about the pocket money, now there is no complaint."
Kalla said the government is ready to see the result of the athletes at the Asian Games 2018. The athletes are currently undergoing a preparation through the national training, abroad training camp, and try out.
VINDRY FLORENTIN