Learning from Sports

KOMPAS/TOTOK WIJAYANTO

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The 2018 Asian Games provides a valuable lesson on political citizenship, not only in its spectacular opening ceremony that has assured us of Indonesia\'s potential as a cultural power in the world. Nor does the issue concern our medal achievements, so we do not lose face as a great nation; nor is it limited to our athletes’ sweat and pain that reflects their awareness of fighting for the country. What is more important is the spirit of inclusive citizenship that has merged all our differences within the shared struggle for the national pride and achievements.

Let us look to the various team sports, such as women’s volleyball. In that event, veiled athletes play shoulder-to-shoulder with their teammates wearing cross necklaces without any psychological barrier. All identities are equal as they embrace each other, voice the same cheer, as they fall and hold back the onslaught while launching attacks. Watching moments like these can make us cry from joy and pride. It is a fact that the medals we have won are the contributions of athletes with diverse backgrounds. The spirit of inclusive, equal citizenship has merged differences into the harmonious unity that has led this nation to victory.