"This will be a first in the history of Indonesia to send a team to the winter sports championships. The contingent will include not just administrators but also athletes. This is in line with the Olympic Charter," said Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) Erick Thohir while introducing the Indonesia Winter Sports Team in South Tangerang on Thursday.
Erick added that Indonesia would participate in three sporting events in the Asian Winter Games in Japan, namely ice hockey, figure skating and short track speed.
"Asian Winter Games will be an opportunity for Indonesian athletes even though we are not a country that experiences much wintry conditions," noted Erick.
Erick informed that the contingent for the winter sports is being sent to Sapporo under a community self-funding pattern.
"We appreciate as they raise funds along with their community. There is no help from the government. They will also participate in other winter sports championships, apart from Sapporo, Japan, namely the Winter Olympics and SEA Games 2017 in Malaysia," stated Erick.
The KOI, he pointed out, also appreciates the cooperation extended by the private sector which has been providing training arena for Indonesian athletes wishing to participate in winter sports.
Meanwhile, Indonesia Ice Hockey Team Captain, Jonathan Sudharta, reminded that winter sports athletes had tried to ensure that the Red-White flag of the country flies high in the international ice hockey championship.
"We have not been able to set a target of medal collection because this is our first participation in the international championship on behalf of the state," said Jonathan, who is also coordinator of the Indonesian team in the Asian Winter Games 2017.
Jonatan said Indonesias decision to participate in the winter sports championships was motivated by the achievements of Indonesian athletes at the World Ice Hockey Championship, held in Singapore from March 2-5, 2016.
"We have chalked certain achievements in the last two years. We were invited by the organizing committee to participate in the Asian Winter Games after they saw our achievements," observed Jonathan.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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