The XXI National Sports Week (PON) will soon be held, and good news comes from Manokwari, West Papua. Hapkido, which has just been recognized and ratified for the first time as an official PON sport, will be part of this prestigious event. This decision gives official recognition to the existence and development of Hapkido in West Papua and is an important moment in the development of martial arts in the region.
Hapkido, a martial art originating from Korea, has grown and developed in various parts of the world, including Indonesia. In West Papua, Hapkido was first introduced decades ago by several martial arts practitioners and enthusiasts. With a basic philosophy that emphasizes the use of efficient movements and self-defense techniques, Hapkido soon gained fans among the Manokwari community.
The first Hapkido school in Manokwari was established to introduce and teach the basic principles and techniques of Hapkido to the younger generation. With the support of the local martial arts community, Hapkido’s popularity in Manokwari grew rapidly, attracting interest from all walks of life, including children, teenagers, and adults.
The decision to includeincludee Hapkido as an official sport in PON XXI is the result of the long and hard work of the West Papua martial arts community. Support from the West Papua Provincial Government and the West Papua Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) also played an important role in the submission process and eventual recognition of Hapkido as a competitive sport.
With the qualification of Hapkido Manokwari to PON XXI, it is hoped that it will open up opportunities for West Papuan Hapkido athletes to compete at the national level and show their potential and skills. Intensive preparations have been made by coaches and athletes to ensure that they are ready to compete and give their best in the PON XXI event later.
Hapkido Manokwari athletes are undergoing intensive training and special preparation programs to face competition in PON XXI. They not only focus on technical aspects such as attack and defense techniques but also maintain their physical and mental fitness. Training is carried out regularly in various locations, including modern sports training centers that have been provided by the local government.
Apart from the physical and technical aspects, athletes are also given coaching in terms of competition strategy and mental toughness. This is important considering that the competition at PON XXI will bring them together with the best athletes from all over Indonesia, who are also preparing themselves optimally to achieve achievements.
Hapkido Manokwari’s participation in PON XXI is not only a competition event, but also an important moment to strengthen the spirit of unity and pride of the people of West Papua. Support from various groups, including martial arts fans, athletes’ families, and the general public, is very important to provide extra motivation to Hapkido Manokwari athletes.
The local government of West Papua also continues to provide full support in the form of facilities, budget, and promotion to ensure the success and sustainability of the sport of Hapkido in the region. Through their participation in PON XXI, it is hoped that Hapkido can be more widely recognized and inspire the younger generation of West Papua to love and develop martial arts sports.
The decision to include Hapkido as a sport in PON XXI is a positive step that gives proper recognition to the development of martial arts in West Papua, especially in Manokwari. The intensive preparation carried out by Manokwari Hapkido athletes shows their commitment to achieving the best performance in this prestigious event. With full support from the community and local government, it is hoped that Hapkido can become one of the successful sports and make a positive contribution to West Papua in the upcoming PON XXI.