MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution has honored 13 former elite athletes who brought the name of North Sumatra and Indonesia to the international stage. Through the recognition, the North Sumatra Provincial Government acknowledged the years of dedication and contributions made by the sports legends, whose achievements not only became part of sporting history but also helped advance sports development in North Sumatra.
Bobby Nasution presented the awards during the 43rd National Sports Day (Haornas). A total of 13
former elite athletes were honored, including seven athletes with disabilities and six other former top-level athletes.
The honorees have recorded remarkable achievements in various international sporting competitions. They include Sutiyono, a cycling legend who won seven gold medals at the SEA Games; Lidya S. Titaley, who won four gold medals; Mardi Lestari, who became known as Asia's fastest man; and boxer Lamhot Simamora, who ended his career undefeated.
Recognition for Sports Legends
Several athletes from the para-sports sector were also recognized for their international achievements. They included Azhar Panjaitan, who won four gold medals in chess at the ASEAN Para Games; Ismayuddin Simangunsong, who won a gold medal in chess at the ASEAN Para Games; and Rosalina Manurung, who won six gold medals in chess at the ASEAN Para Games and one gold medal at the Asian Para Games.
Also honored were Yuddi Ana, who won a gold medal in shot put at the ASEAN Para Games; Anto Boy, who won three gold medals at the ASEAN Para Games; and Nasip Farta Simanja, who secured 10 gold medals in chess at the ASEAN Para Games.
Bobby Nasution said the recognition was a sign of respect from the people of North Sumatra for athletes who had brought the name of the region and Indonesia to international prominence through their achievements.
"This is a form of recognition and respect from the people of North Sumatra for bringing the name of North Sumatra and Indonesia to the world, achieving extraordinary accomplishments, and actively contributing to sports,"
Bobby Nasution said following the ceremony at the North Sumatra Governor's Office on Jalan Diponegoro No. 30, Medan, on Monday, September 14, 2026.
According to Bobby, the athletes' contributions did not end with winning medals. Their dedication was also an important part of sports development in North Sumatra and could serve as an inspiration for the next generation of athletes.
The North Sumatra Provincial Government also views the recognition of
former elite athletes as an important step toward maintaining ties between the government and sports figures who have carried the region's name onto the international stage.
RECOGNITION FOR FORMER ELITE ATHLETES: North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution said the presentation of the awards was a sign of appreciation and respect from the people of North Sumatra for former elite athletes who brought the name of the region and Indonesia to international prominence through their achievements. (PHOTO: Alexander AP Siahaan)
Building a Sports Culture
In addition to presenting the awards, Bobby Nasution highlighted the importance of developing a strong sports culture within society. In his view, sporting achievements cannot be separated from the habit of people engaging in regular physical activity.
A sports-minded society is an important foundation for producing a new generation of successful athletes. Therefore, the government must develop sports holistically, ranging from fostering a sports culture within society and supporting elite athletes to developing the sports industry.
"We must remember that elite athletes emerge from a society that enjoys sports. Therefore, we must develop sports culture, sporting achievements, and the sports industry as an interconnected ecosystem," said Bobby Nasution, who served as the ceremony's presiding official.
Bobby hopes the development of the sports ecosystem in North Sumatra can continue sustainably. In his view, the government must involve the community, athletes, coaches, sports organizations, and other relevant stakeholders in jointly developing such an ecosystem.
With a strong sports ecosystem, North Sumatra can not only produce successful athletes but also make sports an integral part of social life. At the same time, sports development can create economic opportunities as the sports industry continues to grow.
BUILDING A SPORTS CULTURE: North Sumatra Governor
Bobby Nasution emphasized the importance of building a sports culture while developing sporting achievements and the sports industry as an interconnected ecosystem capable of producing successful elite athletes. (PHOTO: Alexander AP Siahaan)
Haornas as a Moment for Evaluation
The 43rd National Sports Day (Haornas) became an important moment for the North Sumatra Provincial Government to reaffirm its commitment to sports development. The recognition of 13
former elite athletes also demonstrates that the achievements of previous generations of athletes continue to receive attention and appreciation from the government.
The achievements of the honored athletes form part of North Sumatra's sporting history. Their medals at the SEA Games, ASEAN Para Games, and Asian Para Games demonstrate that athletes from North Sumatra are capable of competing at the international level.
The stories of these
sports legends also serve as a reminder that sports development is a long-term process requiring consistency and support from many stakeholders. The government has a responsibility to provide appropriate structures and opportunities for development, while society can strengthen sports culture beginning within families and local communities.
Among those attending the 43rd Haornas ceremony at the North Sumatra Governor's Office were Acting Secretary of the North Sumatra Provincial Government Timor Tumanggor, Chairman of the North Sumatra branch of the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI), Hatunggal Siregar, Chairman of the North Sumatra branch of the Indonesian National Paralympic Committee (NPCI), Alan Sastra Ginting, and Chairman of Kormi, Muhammad Daffasya Adnan.
Representatives from various agencies within the North Sumatra Provincial Government, athletes from North Sumatra, and other sports stakeholders were also present. The participation of representatives from the sports and government sectors underscored the importance of collaboration in building a strong sports ecosystem in North Sumatra.
Through the celebration of the 43rd Haornas, the North Sumatra Provincial Government called on the public to make sports a regular part of daily life. At the same time, the government will continue its efforts to produce new sporting achievements by drawing on the experiences and dedication of sports legends as inspiration for the next generation of athletes. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala