Doc: Reuters – Jennifer Lorenzini
Indonesia made history at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris with 14 medals, the highest achievement in the nation’s participation in the biggest international sporting event for athletes with disabilities. Indonesia began participating in the 1976 Paralympics in Toronto.
The Indonesian sports fighters who competed managed to bring home one gold, eight silver and five bronze medals, confirming Indonesia’s position as one of the countries with significant developments in the world of disability sports.
This achievement symbolizes the struggle and tireless spirit of athletes who not only represent the country, but also prove that physical limitations are not a barrier to achievement on the world stage.
One of the peak moments occurred in badminton on Monday (2/9/2024), when the pair of Hikmat Ramdani and Leani Ratri Oktila won the first gold at the 2024 Paralympics for Indonesia.
In addition, track and field athlete Saptoyogo Purnomo also became the only Asian athlete to qualify for the final round of the men’s 100 meters T37, winning silver on Friday (30/8/2024).
The Paralympics is an international sporting event for athletes with disabilities from around the world. First held in Rome in 1960, the event aims to provide opportunities for athletes with physical, visual and intellectual limitations to compete in various sports, similar to the Olympics.
It is held every four years and has grown to become one of the biggest sporting events in the world. The 2024 Paralympics took place from Wednesday (28/8/2024) to Sunday (8/9/2024) in Paris.
This year, Indonesia sent 35 athletes, consisting of 20 men and 15 women who competed in 10 sports, including badminton, archery, athletics, boccia, judo, weightlifting, swimming, shooting, cycling, and table tennis. This number has increased compared to the 23 athletes competing in the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.
Badminton is Indonesia’s mainstay with 8 medals consisting of 1 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze. Followed by boccia which won 4 medals, consisting of 2 silver and 2 bronze, and athletics which contributed 2 silver.
This achievement confirms Indonesia’s commitment in supporting the development of disability sports. With the increasing number of athletes competing and improved facilities, Indonesia hopes to continue to take part further in the international arena.
This achievement is not only a source of pride for athletes and coaches, but also inspires the wider community that physical limitations are not an obstacle to achieving brilliant achievements. It is proof that passion and determination can overcome all challenges.
Untar as an Inclusive University
The success of the Indonesian contingent once again opened our eyes that actually achieving achievements to make Indonesia proud can be done by every citizen. In addition, every individual has the right to achieve their dreams regardless of their limitations.
In line with this, Untar as a university that is ready to enter the world-class campus provides opportunities for anyone to get quality education. This effort has been proven by winning the 4-Star award from Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Rating as an inclusive campus. Untar’s commitment is realized by giving attention to all groups, including those with physical limitations.
Untar has prepared various facilities to support students with disabilities so that they can do their activities and undergo lectures optimally.
This is in line with the spirit of the Paralympics which inspires that physical limitations are not an obstacle to achieving achievements in various fields, including education.
Let us continue to support athletes with disabilities to continue to work and make the nation proud in the international arena. Indonesia has proven that in any condition, the Red and White can continue to fly with pride! (KJ/YS/KJ)
Keywords: Tridarma Perguruan Tinggi (Education), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality), SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)