About 60 years ago, from September 30 to October 8, 1961, National Sports Week (PON) V was held in Bandung, West Java, and was followed by athletes from 23 provinces with nine sport to compete. This moment becomes a debut for West Irian (now Papua-West Papua) to join the PON with 58 representatives, the smallest from all provinces.

Half a century later, Papua was trusted to host the 20th National Sports Week (PON) 2021, which was postponed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 7,006 athletes from 34 provinces will participate in the event. They will compete in 37 sports, at four venues which are Jayapura City, Jayapura Regency, Mimika, and Merauke.

Supporting infrastructures for the National Sports Week were built, such as Aquatic venues that meet international standards and Papua Bangkit Stadion, Cricket and Hockey field (indoor and outdoor), venues for skate, rowing, and archery.

Papuan greets the event excitedly, welcoming participants with a sense of friendliness and brotherhood. The euphoria of the PON event echoed all the place in Papua then people flocked to the venues to watch the games. Some of them watch from the roof of a house or climb the tree.

Papua has shown its capability to host national-level events safely, smoothly, and achievement-wisely.

As quoted by President Joko Widodo during the limited meeting discussing National Sports Week (PON) event, “PON is not only a sports competition, but it is also a moment to celebrate diversity, strengthen the spirit of brotherhood as a nation, unity and integrity."

Photo : Novrian Arbi, Aditya Pradana Putra, Zabur Karuru, Nova Wahyudi, Galih Pradipta, Fauzan, Muhammad Ayudha, Akbar Nugroho Gumay.

Editor dan Text : Prasetyo Utomo