PB PASI Secretary General Jodi Mahardi said the emergence of debut athletes who immediately won titles at the 2026 East Java Open Athletics Championships shows the continued development of athletic potential in Eastern Indonesia through a structured coaching system.
"The emergence of champions from debut athletes confirms that the athletic potential of Eastern Indonesia will continue to flourish through structured development programs," said Jodi Mahardi in a written statement received in Jakarta on Thursday.
According to him, the synergy of decentralized coaching between PB PASI and PT Freeport Indonesia through the Papua Athletics Center (PAC) is starting to show results in the regeneration of national athletes.
PAC once again defended its overall champion title at the 2026 East Java Open which took place at the “Oentoeng Poedjadi” FIKK-UNESA Athletic Field, Surabaya, May 1-3, after collecting 14 medals consisting of nine gold, two silver, and three bronze.
This achievement is an increase compared to the previous edition with a total of 11 medals.
Three PAC debut athletes have become the focus of attention after winning gold medals in their first competitive appearance.
