A sporting event that unites diversity and the spirit of determination in Indonesia

The 2024 National Sports Week (PON) XXI is set to be a landmark event for Indonesia, as it will be the first time the competition is hosted by two provinces simultaneously: Aceh and North Sumatra. Scheduled from September 8 to 20, 2024, PON XXI will feature over 50 sports, offering a broad and diverse competitive stage for athletes from across the country.

This marks the second time North Sumatra will host PON, having last done so in 1953. For Aceh, this will be a debut hosting experience, bringing with it a fresh wave of pride and enthusiasm. The event is particularly significant as it welcomes four new provinces—Southwest Papua, Highland Papua, Central Papua, and South Papua—adding even more diversity and excitement to the competition.

A highlight of PON XXI is the inclusion of Esports as an official sport for the first time. This category will feature five team events: Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Garena Free Fire, PUBG Mobile Squad, LOKAPALA, and eFootball PES. The addition of Esports underscores the evolving landscape of sports, aligning with global trends and providing a national platform for electronic sports enthusiasts.

Both Aceh and North Sumatra have made extensive preparations for PON XXI. Aceh will host 33 sports across 42 disciplines and 510 events, with an estimated 5,636 athletes and 2,752 officials expected to participate. In North Sumatra, 34 sports will be contested in 46 disciplines and 528 events, involving 6,281 athletes and 3,140 officials. Both provinces are committed to not only hosting a successful event but also excelling in the medal standings.

The success of Papua in hosting PON 2021, where they ranked in the top four in the final medal tally, serves as a powerful inspiration for Aceh and North Sumatra. In PON Papua, Aceh secured 12th place with 11 gold medals, seven silver, and 11 bronze, while North Sumatra followed closely in 13th place with 10 gold, 22 silver, and 23 bronze medals. Both provinces are highly motivated to perform at their best, both as hosts and competitors.

PON XXI/2024 in Aceh and North Sumatra is more than just a sporting event; it symbolizes unity and collaboration among Indonesia's provinces. The spirit of sportsmanship embodied by PON is expected to inspire all Indonesians to unite and bring honor to the nation, both on the national and international stage.

photo source : sumutprov.go.id/ and kemenpora.go.id/

#PON 2024 #National Sports Week #Aceh North Sumatra #Indonesian sports event #Esports competition #PON XXI highlights #PON XXI schedule #Indonesian athletes #PON XXI venues #North Sumatra Aceh #Indonesian sports history #PON XXI updates #PON XXI news #National Sports Week 2024 #PON XXI participants #sports tourism Indonesia #PON XXI results #PON XXI medal standings #Aceh Sumatra PON #PON XXI sports #media #article #rsvp clique #rc