The Ministry of Youth and Sports in Indonesia recently met with Hungarian Ambassador Lilla Karsay to explore opportunities for sports collaboration between the two nations. Gunawan Suswantoro, the Secretary of Youth and Sports, represented the Ministry. The meeting, which took place at the Ministry’s office in Jakarta, focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in various sports such as judo, rowing, canoeing, and water polo.
Suswantoro emphasized the historical significance of collaboration between Indonesia and Hungary, noting that their sports partnership traces back to a 2017 discussion. He welcomed the ambassador’s visit, seeing it as a way to further strengthen bilateral relations in sports. He also noted that the meeting’s findings would be conveyed to Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo to ensure that cooperation can progress smoothly.
Ambassador Karsay highlighted that her visit to the Ministry was aimed at coordinating the forthcoming visit of Hungarian Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Peter Szijjarto to Indonesia on June 12, 2024. She elaborated that the visit would be crucial for refining details around sports cooperation and scheduling a meeting with Minister Ariotedjo.
Karsay acknowledged the existing agreement between the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) of Indonesia and Hungary, which has facilitated an exchange of coaches and athletes. This arrangement has included Hungarian athletes in swimming, water polo, canoeing, and fencing, while Indonesian athletes have excelled in badminton and rock climbing.
She further mentioned that Indonesia’s fencing team participated in a one-month training camp in Hungary last year. This successful initiative underscores the benefits of collaboration and sets the stage for continued growth in sports partnerships between the two nations. The meeting was a step forward in enhancing the cooperative spirit and fostering deeper connections through sports.
