'We need better grooming for athletes'<\/p>\n
Legislators have approved the long-awaited bill on sports that
\nrequires the government to provide a pension for national
\nathletes and funds for organizations involved in developing the
\ncountry's sports. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents
\nhere to get their views on the issue.<\/p>\n
Sanan, 48, is a resident of a housing complex in Cisauk
\ndistrict, Tangerang regency. He works as a staff member of a
\njunior high school on Jl. Gunung Sahari, Central Jakarta. He
\nplays badminton.<\/p>\n
Well, I agree if the government gives a pension to outstanding
\nathletes, because it will encourage young talented sportsmen and
\nwomen to practice seriously.<\/p>\n
Currently, we have many badminton players, who have gained
\ngreat achievements in international competitions. There are also
\nseveral Indonesian athletes in other sports of international
\ncaliber.<\/p>\n
But they are few. I believe if the government pays more
\nattention to their welfare, Indonesia may have many good athletes
\nin other sports.<\/p>\n
The athlete's welfare is not the only problem in Indonesia.
\nThe recruitment is not fair. It is very difficult for a talented
\nbadminton player, for example, to become a national athlete if he
\nor she has no relatives or friends in PBSI (the All Indonesian
\nBadminton Association).<\/p>\n
Apart from improving athletes' welfare, the government should
\nalso improve the recruitment system of national athletes.<\/p>\n
Aninditha Maharrani, 23, works as a news provider at Pondok
\nIndah, South Jakarta. She resides with her family in Pamulang,
\nTangerang.<\/p>\n
A pension is the athletes' right. We have to ensure that they
\nreceive it. Remember that they have made us proud as a nation.<\/p>\n
I think they should receive more, like rewards when they are
\nstill active as athletes. It is sad to hear that many former
\nprominent athletes end up living in poverty.<\/p>\n
The ill-fated former world boxing champion Ellyas Pical, who
\nwas apprehended by police for drug dealing, reminds us how poor
\nour athletes are. We have to appreciate their hard work in the
\nfirst place.<\/p>\n
--The Jakarta Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/we-need-better-grooming-for-athletes-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }