All About PON XXI Aceh-North Sumatra 2024 Which Was Officially Closed Magnificently

Jakarta, Todaysgist.com – The implementation of the XXI Aceh-North Sumatra National Sports Week (PON) 2024 was officially closed with a lively and magnificent ceremony at the North Sumatra Main Stadium, Deli Serdang, Friday (20/9/2024) evening.

This event marks the end of the journey of the biggest sporting event in Indonesia, while also recording new history as the first PON held in two provinces, namely Aceh and North Sumatra.

The 21st PON Aceh-North Sumatra 2024 was closed by the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Muhadjir Effendy.

In his speech, Muhadjir expressed his appreciation for the success of the XXI PON. However, he said, a comprehensive evaluation is still needed to improve the implementation of PON in the future.

PON XXI has provided a great achievement for our sports world, but there are still things that need to be improved. We will conduct a comprehensive evaluation so that future PON can run better and smoother,” said Coordinating Minister Muhadjir.

The following are various aspects of PON XXI Aceh-North Sumatra.

1. West Java’s Achievements at PON XXI
PON XXI Aceh-Sumut is not only a showcase for athletes from all over Indonesia, but also a momentum of achievement for West Java, which successfully won the overall champion title. This province managed to collect a total of 195 gold medals, 163 silver, and 182 bronze. This victory emphasizes West Java’s position as one of the provinces that is consistent in sending its best athletes to national events.

North Sumatra as the host was also no less proud by winning 79 gold, 59 silver, and 116 bronze, placing it in fourth place. Although it did not become the overall champion, North Sumatra’s achievement was still appreciated because it was able to compete at the national level. Meanwhile, Aceh, as another host province, was in sixth place with 65 gold, 48 silver, and 79 bronze.

2. Handover of the host to NTB and NTT
One of the important moments in the closing ceremony of PON XXI was the handover of the PON flag to the next hosts, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), which will hold PON XXII in 2028.

Acting Governor of Aceh Safrizal ZA and the chairman of KONI Aceh handed over the PON flag to the Chairman of KONI Pusat Marciano Norman. After that, the flag was handed over to the Acting Governor of NTB, Hasan Hassanudin, and the chairman of KONI NTB, followed by the handover to the Acting Governor of NTT, Andriko Noto Susanto.

This procession marks the beginning of preparations for NTB and NTT as the next PON hosts. In a meaningful symbolism, the two governors raised the PON flag in front of thousands of spectators present, showing their readiness to welcome PON 2028.

3. Spectacular closing
The closing of PON XXI Aceh-Sumut was enlivened by a series of art performances that combined tradition and modernity. Dances from various regions in Indonesia, including North Sumatra, Jakarta, NTB, and NTT, were presented in a charming cultural ambiance. One of the peak moments was the performance of singer Tri Vanita who sang the traditional song Ikan Nae Di Pante with a modern arrangement, giving a different touch to the closing night.

This art performance is not only entertainment for the audience, but also a symbol of unity and pride of Indonesian culture. With full support from the community and government, PON XXI ended brilliantly and left a deep impression on all parties involved.

4. New records and achievements of athletes
In addition to the success of the event, PON XXI also recorded various new records in a number of sports. Many athletes managed to break national records and PON records, showing that the quality of Indonesian sports is increasing. This success is proof that the potential of Indonesian athletes continues to grow and is ready to compete in the international arena.

PON XXI also successfully involved almost 13,000 athletes and more than 6,000 officials, making it one of the largest sporting events ever held in Indonesia. This success is not only measured by the number of medals won, but also by the spirit of sportsmanship and unity built among athletes from various regions.

5. Preparation of NTB and NTT for PON 2028
With the end of PON XXI, attention now turns to NTB and NTT as hosts of PON XXII in 2028. The two provinces have begun long preparations to welcome athletes and officials from all over Indonesia. It is hoped that PON XXII will be an event that not only showcases sporting achievements, but also strengthens the bonds of national unity.

Hosting PON is a big responsibility, and NTB and NTT are ready to face it with full commitment. Preparation of infrastructure, sports facilities, and community support are the main focus to ensure the success of PON 2028.

6. Hopes for future PON
The implementation of PON XXII in NTB and NTT is expected to be able to repeat the success achieved by Aceh and North Sumatra. With the spirit of mutual cooperation and commitment to continue to improve the quality of the implementation, Indonesia is expected to be a better host in organizing national sports events.

PON is not just about competition, but also about knitting unity and pride for all Indonesian people. This spirit is expected to continue to live in every PON implementation, including PON XXII in 2028.