Central Java Governor, Ahmad Luthfi, officially opened the National Boxing Championship competing for the Central Java Governor's Gold Belt and the Indonesian Boxing Association (ATI) Gold Belt in Surakarta. This event is a strategic step by the provincial government to restore the prestige of boxing, which was deemed to have faded in the region.
In his speech, Ahmad Luthfi emphasized that this competition is not just a physical contest, but a momentum for character building for the athletes. According to him, disciplined boxing training and the application of sportsmanship in matches are the primary capital to produce professional boxers capable of competing on national and international stages, following the successful footsteps of boxing legend Chris John.
Furthermore, the Governor encouraged the Central Java ATI to schedule championships regularly in collaboration with regional heads in various areas. This synergy is expected to not only birth new talents but also trigger the growth of *sport tourism* in Central Java, in line with the increasing public interest in sports as part of a lifestyle.
Responding to this, the Central Java DPW ATI welcomed the provincial government's attention. Asri Purwanti, representing ATI, emphasized that government support is crucial in providing a stage for athletes. With this commitment, it is hoped that the frequency of tournaments can be increased to recruit potential talents from various training camps throughout Central Java.
