Impact of Corona Virus, KONI North Sumatra Still Prepare Athletes Towards PON

Impact of Corona Virus, KONI North Sumatra Still Prepare Athletes Towards PON

MEDAN - The North Sumatra Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) ensures that it will continue the PON Papua Regional Training Center (Pelatda) 2020 program, even though the world community including Indonesia is currently facing the threat of the corona virus.

This was said by the Chairman of the North Sumatra KONI, John Ismadi Lubis when met in his office on Tuesday (3/17/2020). "Earlier we were close together, and we decided that North Sumatra athlete PON regional athletes would continue running," he said.

John explained, the decision on this policy was not without good reason. This step was taken through consideration. The goal is to continue to solidify the preparation of North Sumatra athletes to face the grand title of the National Sports Week (PON) Papua 2020 which is scheduled to take place next October.

According to him, the situation of athlete athletes cannot be compared to students who attend school. If for up to two weeks the platda is dismissed, then the athletes will return to repeat their physical training, retreat again. This does not include a decrease in quality and condition of stamina due to holidays. Even an athlete's weight can increase which can disrupt his training program so far.

Because it could not follow the steps of dismissing the PON regional license for two weeks as it is the policy for schools where students are allowed to study independently.

"The PON Pelatda must not stop. This is different (from school). If we put them (athletes) at home, we are not sure to walk," he explained.

Furthermore John said, although still holding the PON preparations, trainers were allowed to reduce the training portion of the athletes.

So for the next two weeks the athletes are still focused on practicing while also being reminded to maintain their health condition.

"We reduce the pattern and portions according to our needs as well. So we only undergo light physical and technical training for two weeks," he explained.