Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Youth and Sports said it is optimistic that up to 30 Indonesian athletes will qualify for the Paris Summer Olympics, which are scheduled to be held from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
"With what we have now, Indonesia has the potential that the number of those that are qualified is projected to reach 20–30 (athletes)," Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo said here on Monday.
He made the statement after witnessing the signing of a cooperation pact between his ministry and the Sports Parent Organization (IOCO) regarding national centralized training for the 2024 Olympic qualifiers in Jakarta on Monday.
Ariotedjo said that the target is still dynamic and will continue to be pursued. He added that there is no concrete target regarding how many athletes should qualify as that will depend on the challenges faced in each sport.
In addition to providing funding support, the ministry is also hoping to conduct negotiations for sports where Indonesia has the potential to get wildcards.
To support Indonesia's participation in the Olympics, the government has provided Rp61.5 billion (around US$4 million) in funding for 11 sports organizations.
The 11 sports organizations include the Indonesian Weightlifting Association (PB PABSI), the Indonesian Cycling Federation (PB ISSI), the Indonesian Gymnastics Association (Persani), the Indonesian Archery Association (Perpani), the Indonesian Volleyball Association (PBVSI), and the Indonesian Taekwondo Association (PBTI).
They further include the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI), the Indonesian Surfing Association (PSOI), the Indonesian Judo Association (PJSI), the Indonesian Athletics Association (PASI), and the Indonesian Aquatic Sports Federation Board.
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Furthermore, two more sports federations will soon get government assistance for Olympic preparations: the Indonesian Rowing Association (PODSI) and the Indonesian Shooting Association (Perbakin).
The funds are being provided as a form of government commitment to increasing national sports achievements through Indonesian athletes' participation in the prestigious international multi-sport event. According to the minister, the assistance could be increased if the athletes qualify for the Olympics.
