Prabowo pushes sports academies to develop young athletes

Bogor (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto is promoting national sports development through the establishment of sports academies designed to nurture athletes from an early age, Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir said.

Speaking after a meeting with Prabowo in Bogor, Thohir said the planned academies would integrate athlete development from elementary school through junior and senior high school, creating a strong foundation for future sports achievements.

“The President is also encouraging the establishment of sports academies, which will begin at the elementary, junior high, and senior high school levels,” Thohir said.

He noted that developing athletes from a young age is a strategic step toward building a sustainable sports system capable of producing success at the international level.

The academies are expected to become a key component of Indonesia’s national sports development ecosystem.

Thohir also said Prabowo emphasized the importance of ensuring athletes’ welfare after retirement. Among the issues discussed was the development of an athlete pension scheme, which is currently being prepared by the government.

“The President once again asked about the athlete pension fund, which we are still working on and preparing for the future. That is what I can convey regarding the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ preparations,” Thohir said.

During the meeting, Prabowo also called for greater attention to be given to athletes with disabilities as part of efforts to provide equal opportunities for all citizens.

According to Thohir, the president is concerned about Indonesians with disabilities who are interested in sports and believes they should have greater access to development opportunities.

He added that the government will continue promoting programs aimed at advancing disability sports across the country.

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Translator: Maria Galuh, Kuntum Khaira

Editor: Primayanti

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