Jokowi wants more sports to contribute medals

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has ordered Youth and Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi to focus on developing sports that could garner medals for Indonesia at international events following the success of the country’s performance at the recently concluded Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

"Prioritize sports that already have excellent qualities, both in terms of facilities, infrastructure and training camps," he said at the State Palace on Wednesday after meeting with the Indonesian athletes who participated in the Rio Olympics.

Jokowi said he believed Indonesia would achieve more medals if more sports were developed.

Badminton mixed doubles pair Tontowi Ahmad and Liliyana Natsir won gold and weightlifters Sri Wahyuni Agustiani and Eko Yuli Irawan won silver medals at the prestigious sporting event.

Imam said besides badminton and weightlifting, his ministry would focus on developing archery, rowing and athletics.

Imam plans to meet with the Indonesian Olympic Committee, the National Sports Council and Satlak Prima, a task force assigned to prepare athletes, to further discuss potential sports that could contribute medals and expand Indonesia's achievements in the future. After identifying the potential sports, the ministry will allocate funding needed for development. (rin)