Talking about local athletes from West Papua, some great achievements have been obtained from events, one of which is PON which is a national sporting event. Despite the limited facilities, the PON which was held became their time to show off.
PON is a four-year event held by each province representative in Indonesia. A total of 34 provinces will compete to get the overall champion and win as many gold medals as possible while increasing the athlete’s experience in official events.
And in 2021, Papua has the opportunity to be the host, and all provinces in Indonesia don’t forget to donate their athletes to the event. Including the host neighbors on the island of Papua which is located in the western part of the island.
Surely it will be easier for athletes to adapt because only neighbors and the climate and culture are not much different, so this provincial team can talk a lot during the event. The government also did not forget to give appreciation to the medal winners.
Their Journey during PON XX
Just like other provinces, West Papua will also send several athletes to compete in Jayapura, Papua, from October 2 to October 15, 2021. Reportedly, this province donated 242 athletes who will participate in 26 sports in the 4-yearly event.
And during the XX PON, the contingent of this province talked a lot and managed to talk a lot. Of the 242 athletes, they managed to collect 3 gold medals, plus 14 silver medals and 15 bronze medals, so that if they add up, there are 32.
These 32 medals are quite a lot because if it is calculated based on the total medals, the West Papua team has collected the 16th most medals. But because of the higher gold medal points, this province had to settle for being ranked 24th out of 34 participating provinces.
At first, the government only targeted 2 gold medals, but what was successfully inscribed turned out to be more than the target. Especially in sports that require speed and endurance, Papuan genetics is known to be very strong in that sport.
But the eastern Indonesian people are also known to have extraordinary skills. However, the facilities that are owned are unfortunately not adequate and need a lot of improvement in order to bring out young talents and more effective coaching as well.
Appreciation Given by West Papua’s Government
Not to forget, the government has also promised bonuses from the start as a step of appreciation to the athletes who have worked hard to represent this province in the biggest sporting arena in Indonesia. Like what governor Dominggus Mandacan said.
The Governor of West Papua, Dominggus Mandacan has provided bonuses for athletes who managed to bring home a gold medal to this province so that athletes are more motivated to give their best for this province. And evidently, they can talk a lot.
Mandacan provides a bonus of 1 billion rupiahs for a gold medal, just as promised by their neighboring province, Papua. This statement was said not without calculation, Mandacan first saw the APBD funds so he dared to promise a bonus.
Development of Sport Facilities Needed by West Papua Athletes
More developments are needed in order to make this province produce more talents. Even though they now have a lot of athletes, if there are proper supporting facilities, whether built by the government or the private sector, it will be even better.
Even the lack of sports facilities has received special attention from other provincial governments so that the West Papua government should immediately find a solution. But there are 3 sports that need special attention, namely:
- Paddle Sports
At the PON Papua 2021, the Paddlesport contributed 35 athletes for this province and dropped to 27 competition numbers. The coach of this sport clearly has a target so that he gives a portion of intense training to his students.
However, due to a lack of facilities, the province’s paddlesports team had to go to a neighboring area to train. Technical problems are not well supported so that the management of the rowing sport must practice in Papua province to train.
- Basketball
Basketball is also a task that must be addressed by the government or the West Papua provincial sports committee. Speaking of physique, eastern people are known for their strong, fast, and agile physique.
So their proportion in basketball should be very decent. The construction of training ground to support basketball is very much needed. But fortunately, one area has already started planning the construction of a basketball court.
- Archery
Another thing that needs special attention is archery. Ahead of the PON, athletes who participate in this sport at PON Papua have to practice alone with a makeshift board so they really need attention.
Papuan talent is extraordinary and we all have to admit that fact. Not infrequently, there are athletes who are the pride of the nation who come from the eastern Indonesian community and contribute to the progress of the sport, especially from West Papua.
