Chrisna Bayu, a former judo champion, has been elected as the president of the Indonesian Sambo Association (PP Persambi) for a new term from 2026 to 2030 during the national conference held in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, on Thursday. Bayu's election was unanimous, receiving significant support from members of the association across various provinces.
Bayu expressed his determination to strengthen the association's structure to achieve two primary goals: the inclusion of sambo in the National Games (PON) scheduled for 2028, and organizing the World Sambo Championship in Indonesia in 2027. He confirmed that he has already begun coordinating with officials from the Indonesian National Olympic Committee to support these initiatives.
Event Details
During the conference, Bayu stated that he had discussions with the president of the National Olympic Committee, Marciano Norman, who showed strong support for the idea of including sambo in the National Games. Proposals were also made for collaboration with the governments of East and West Nusa Tenggara provinces, as well as the Jakarta government, to host sambo competitions in these regions.
Bayu highlighted the importance of utilizing all possible means to promote and support sambo in major sporting events, saying, "We will work to use all available lobbies to ensure sambo is included in the National Games."
Background & Context
Historically, sambo in Indonesia has witnessed significant growth, with several local and international tournaments organized. In 2023, Indonesia hosted the World Sambo Championship for youth, which saw participation from athletes from 43 countries, reflecting the country's capability to host major sporting events.
Sambo, which combines martial arts and wrestling, is one of the sports gaining increasing popularity in Indonesia, and Bayu hopes that his efforts will contribute to enhancing the status of this sport on the international stage.
Impact & Consequences
Bayu's success in achieving his goals could contribute to raising awareness about sambo in Indonesia, potentially leading to increased investments in this area and the development of young talents. Hosting the World Championship would also enhance Indonesia's status as a global sports destination.
These steps are also an opportunity to strengthen sports relations between Indonesia and other countries, which could open new avenues for cooperation in sports and culture.
Regional Significance
Although sambo is not a traditional sport in the Arab world, Indonesia's success in hosting global championships could serve as a model for Arab countries seeking to enhance their sports status. Arab nations can benefit from Indonesia's experiences in organizing major sports events.
In conclusion, the election of Chrisna Bayu represents a new opportunity for sambo in Indonesia and reflects the country's commitment to developing the sport and enhancing its status on the international stage.