WAMENA, Nies World.tv — The Papua Mountains Provincial Government, along with the Papua Mountains Sports Committee (KONI), have begun developing a major strategy for athlete development for various regional, national, and international sporting events.
John Tabo, Chairman of KONI Papua Pegunungan, stated that the first Provincial Working Meeting (Rakerprov) was an important opportunity to evaluate and design a more measurable sports development program.
He explained that of the approximately 41 sports under KONI Papua Pegunungan, 32 have undergone a verification process and will be considered in the development of the work program.
"We must carefully review these verified sports, discuss them, and prepare them for future events, at the regional, national, and international levels," he explained at the KONI Papua Pegunungan Provincial Rakerprov on Friday (August 28, 2026).
John Tabo expressed his appreciation to the Papua Mountains athletes who made history at the 21st National Sports Week (PON) in Aceh-North Sumatra by bringing home six medals.
According to him, this achievement marks a historic first for Mountainous Papua, a new province capable of participating and achieving success in a national sporting event.
"This is a historic first for Mountainous Papua. Therefore, developing athletes who have already achieved success must be a priority," he said.
However, he cautioned that sports development must be tailored to the region's financial situation. As a new province that does not yet have significant Regional Original Revenue (PAD), the government must develop a realistic program.
"We must consider the region's financial capacity. Development continues, but it must be well-designed to produce achievements," said John Tabo.
He hopes this first KONI Provincial Working Meeting will serve as a strong foundation for building a Mountainous Papua sports system capable of producing superior athletes and bringing honor to the region.