Keeping the Running Spirit of Young Athletes

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

Hamdan Sayuti

A proverb says, "It is better to light a candle than to curse or lament the darkness." This aptly illustrates the efforts of Hamdan Syafril Sayuti (33), a professional runner who revived racing events for young runners in his hometown of Sijunjung regency, West Sumatra, amid the Covid-19 crisis.

"Many young athletes who are still training hard ask me, ‘Bang [big brother], when will we compete in a race?’ They grew bored when they realized that there aren’t any competitions during the pandemic. It has dampened their spirit. Finally, I talked to my family and peers to hold a championship. I hope they will not stop training, because they still have a long future ahead,” Hamdan said on Tuesday (5/1/2021) when contacted from Jakarta.