KOI: 'Student Athlete' Programme Answers Need for Talent Development
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI), Ismail Ning, stated that the ‘student athlete’ programme is one of the answers to the needs of athlete development.
“We see that sporting challenges are becoming increasingly complex. Athletes are required to possess not only physical strength but also intelligence to achieve excellence,” said Ismail during the “From Indonesia to The World Stage: A Student Athlete Journey” talk show held at the NOC Indonesia Function Hall, Jakarta, on Tuesday.
He continued, noting that athlete development is becoming more complex and competitive. Therefore, Ismail emphasised the importance of education alongside the pursuit of sporting achievements.
According to Ismail, this is the reason why KOI is implementing the Indonesian Student Athlete programme. KOI believes that an athlete’s future is just as important as their achievements in the sporting arena.
On the same occasion, former Indonesian national basketball player Jamarr Johnson stated that the journey of a student athlete is inseparable from consistency, discipline, and the ability to continue developing both on and off the field.
“The journey as an athlete is not just about talent, but about consistency, hard work, and the ability to rise from difficult times,” said Johnson.
Similar sentiments were expressed by former Indonesian swimmer Akbar Nasution. Akbar emphasised that education is a vital foundation for athletes to achieve success.
“The student athlete concept ensures that athletes are equipped not only to excel in sports but also for life after their sporting careers. This is a long-term investment for the future of the athletes and the nation,” said Akbar.
“From Indonesia to The World Stage: A Student Athlete Journey” is one of the strategic activities that forms part of the Indonesian Student Athlete programme initiated by KOI.
The event was organised in collaboration with the United States Embassy to create opportunities for the exchange of global knowledge and experience for the next generation of Indonesian athletes.