KOI: 'Student Athlete' Programme Answers Need for Talent Development

The Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) believes the student athlete programme is one of the answers to the need for athlete development. KOI Vice Chairman Ismail Ning stated that the challenges in sports are becoming increasingly complex. Athletes are required not only to have physical strength but also intelligence to achieve success. He noted that athlete development is now more complex and competitive, underscoring the importance of education alongside the pursuit of sporting achievement. Ismail explained that this is the reason KOI runs the Indonesian Student Athlete programme, as the committee views an athlete’s future as equally important as their achievements in the sporting arena. Former Indonesian national basketball player Jamarr Johnson said that the journey of a student athlete cannot be separated from consistency, discipline, and the ability to continue growing both on and off the court. He added that the journey as an athlete is not just about talent, but about consistency, hard work, and the ability to bounce back from difficult times. Former Indonesian swimmer Akbar Nasution echoed this sentiment, emphasising that education is a crucial foundation for athletes to achieve success. He stated that the student athlete concept ensures athletes are equipped not only to succeed but also for life after their sports career, calling it a long-term investment for the future of athletes and the nation. The talk show event was part of the Indonesian Student Athlete programme initiated by KOI. The event was organised in collaboration with the Embassy of the United States of America to open global knowledge and experience exchange opportunities for the next generation of Indonesian athletes.