Fajarasia.co – SOE Minister Erick Thohir, who is known as an “enthusiast” for basketball, is very proud of the achievements of the Indonesian national team which made history by winning a gold medal in the men’s basketball sport at the 2021 SEA Games.
“History is Created. The Indonesian men’s basketball national team won the 2021 SEA Games gold medal. Indonesia broke the dominance of the Philippines, which won the SEA Games gold medal 13 times in a row,” Erick said in a written message, Sunday.
The Indonesian men’s basketball national team emerged as the champion of the SEA Games for the first time after defeating the defending champion Philippines with a score of 85-81 at the Thanh Try Gymnasium, Hanoi, Vietnam, Sunday.
The victory of the Indonesian national team under the care of a Serbian coach, Milos Pejic, became a new history. Previously, Indonesia’s best achievement in men’s basketball at the SEA Games was only a silver medal.
The Philippines was previously barely touched as the king of Southeast Asian basketball with 18 SEA Games gold wins. The Philippines has been the champion of basketball since the sport was first competed at the SEA Games in 1977 to 2019. They only released gold to Malaysia in 1979 and 1989.
“This is the first time that Indonesia has won a gold medal in basketball since its participation in 1977. Indonesia broke the dominance of the Philippines, which won the gold medal in the SEA Games 13 times in a row,” said Erick Thohir, who is currently a member of the Central Board of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). .
Indonesia has always been under the shadow of the Philippines, considering that basketball is the most popular sport in this country that was colonized by America.
The strong dominance of the Philippines made Indonesia have to settle for a silver medal several times, even at the 2019 SEA Games, Indonesia had to go home empty-handed after being defeated by Vietnam in the fight for the bronze medal.
For the achievements of the Indonesian basketball team, as a basketball activist, Erick Thohir expressed his gratitude to all parties who support the progress of Indonesian basketball.
“To all individuals and institutions – thank you for believing in and encouraging the achievements of Indonesian basketball,” said Erick Thohir.****
