New star on the horizon
Even though the curtain just fell on the Olympic Games in Athens, sports fans across Asia are already looking forward to the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing.
There is good reason Asian interest in this most prestigious of international sporting events is keener this year than at any other time in the past: There is no denying the unmistakable signs that Asia is on the rise as a world sporting power to be reckoned with.
Consider, for example, that within days after the Athens Games were officially opened, South Korea, Japan and -- one is almost tempted to say of course -- China had sprinted ahead to challenge the traditional Olympic powers of Europe and the U.S. for the top positions in various events.
In addition, China surprised everyone by taking the lead not only in events it had traditionally dominated, such as table tennis and diving, but also in events that, in the past, had been outside its domain. Twenty-year-old Luo Xuejuan, for example, won the 100-meter breaststroke swimming final, not only defeating Australian world record holder Leisel Jones, but also setting a new Olympic record of 1:6.64.
By the end of the 16-day competition, China was second only to the United States in the overall medal tally, pushing the Russians down to third place.
What makes this all the more impressive is that the Chinese team was dominated by young and upcoming athletes competing for the first time in the Olympics. China's sports officials apparently left more experienced athletes at home, intentionally sacrificing an even more impressive performance at Athens with an eye toward dominating the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
China, with its seemingly bottomless pool of manpower, is obviously well positioned to dominate Asian sports. However, it would be unfair, and foolish, to ignore the achievements of other Asian countries, especially South and North Korea, and Japan.
There is little doubt that the Beijing Olympics in 2008 could become a showcase for Asian athletes. For us in Indonesia, it is time that we began to reflect on what good management, combined with strict discipline, can achieve. No less important, an effective system of sports education, training and talent scouting must be put in place. Children should be encouraged and nurtured at the earliest possible age to excel in whatever sport interests them.
And, of course, with due respect to the principle of amateur sports, once our young people decide to dedicate their lives to raising the country's standing through sports, guarantees must be provided that they will be well taken care of in the future.
Long gone is the myth that the most important thing in the Olympics is not the winning, but the taking part. Asia is clearly moving forward, not only in sports but in every sphere of life. It is time we joined the race, giving the best we can in whatever we do, lest we be left too far behind.