JAYAPURA - The Papuan contingent was officially released to the XXI National Sports Week (PON) in Aceh - North Sumatera by the Acting Governor of Papua, Ramses Limbong, at the Sasana Krida, Governor's Office Dock II Jayapura, Wednesday (21/08/2024) afternoon.

The Papuan contingent, which will compete in the 50 sports, will be led by Assistant III of the Papua Provincial Secretariat, Derek Hegemur. The total contingent of 506 people consists of 325 athletes, 69 coaches, and 43 assistant coaches. Then 40 Non-In Campus officials, so the total is 546 people

Acting Governor of Papua, Ramses Limbong believes that the athletes can do their best to make Papua proud.

"Because our goal is only one to make Papua proud and bring the good name of Papua."

"So there is no other word, by confidence, show your best because the Papuan people are waiting for the best results that will be achieved by all of you," he exclaimed.

The Chairman of KONI Papua, Kenius Kogoya expressed his gratitude because the Papuan contingent was able to take part in the PON XXI event.

"Initially, there were 374 athletes who had qualified for PON XXI."

"However, we selected with the existing conditions, becoming 325 athletes. It consists of 51 sports and disciplines that will be followed. There are 69 coaches, 43 assistants, 19 masseurs, 22 technicians, 28 assistants and a total of 506 officials. In addition to 40 non-campus KONI officials, a total of 546 people," he said.

He also targets to obtain 42 golds at the Aceh and North Sumatera PON, although the provisional estimate results may decrease or increase.

"Because the athletes we send must be honest, we must convey that so far we haven’t prepared enough. Some practice independently, but I believe that the spirit of our athletes will make Papua proud," he said.

For the Aceh region, 23 sports, 29 disciplines, 130 match numbers, and a total of 180 athletes and 107 officials.

Meanwhile, in the North Sumatera region, 9 city districts, 20 sports, 22 disciplines, and 66 match numbers, there are 145 athletes and 74 officials.

"From all the things we sent, we have analyzed the performance of the athletes and their readiness, after we verified, there were athletes who became our flagship," he said.

"There are 22 potential sports from 47 existing matches. The 64 athletes projected medals because they participated in TC, even four of them participated in the Olympic test and one who passed in the Archery," he said. ***