The modern sports world has shifted toward highly complex competition, where athlete performance no longer relies solely on physical endurance and technique. Today, the ability to manage data and information through a sport intelligence approach has become a key determinant in achieving victory in the international arena.
This idea was emphasized by the General Chairperson of the Central KONI, Marciano Norman, during a book discussion event titled 'Sport Intelligence' held at the Faculty of Sports Science and Health (FIKK) of the State University of Surabaya (Unesa) on Tuesday (7/7/2026). According to Marciano, countries with developed sports traditions have long applied comprehensive data analysis to map opponents' strengths and formulate highly accurate match strategies.
Recognizing this urgency, the Central KONI has formed a special unit under the direct coordination of the general chairperson. This body is tasked with identifying weaknesses in the national development system and mapping opportunities that can be leveraged to improve the performance of Indonesian athletes in various regional and global events. This approach complements the previously implemented sport science, aimed at creating a more adaptive and measurable training and development model.
Marciano, who has a background in leadership at the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), believes that intelligence principles can be aligned with the world of sports. He emphasized the important role of universities, researchers, and the media in building a data-based ecosystem. By involving at least 14 sports universities in the country, it is hoped that the resulting research and innovation can support the effectiveness of coaching strategies in the future.
With the integration of digital technology and artificial intelligence, KONI hopes this transformation can produce Indonesian athletes who are not only physically superior but also smart in responding to competition dynamics. This step marks a new milestone for Indonesia to improve its competitiveness in the global sports arena through systematic and strategic information management.
