The 3rd National Barongsai Championship (Kejurnas) 2022 officially commenced on Thursday evening, October 6, 2022, at Ballroom Sleman City Hall (SCH), Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY). The event was attended by Chairman of the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI), Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Marciano Norman, who took the time to watch the competition.
High Appreciation from KONI Chairman
Chairman Marciano Norman highly appreciated both the competition’s organization and the athletes’ performances.
“A heartfelt thank you and the highest appreciation to the Indonesian Lion Dance Federation (PB FOBI) for organizing the 2022 National Championship. We can see that 16 provinces are participating, and their enthusiasm is remarkable. Most of the athletes are still teenagers, and they demonstrate great potential,” he stated.
Seeing young athletes competing, Marciano Norman is confident in Indonesia’s future in international lion dance events.
“I am certain that in the future, Indonesian lion dance athletes will make us proud with their achievements and become champions,” he added on Friday, October 7, 2022.
He also encouraged PB FOBI and regional federations (Pengprov) to continuously improve athlete development programs.
“Once again, I urge PB FOBI to regularly evaluate lion dance activities in various regions. This is crucial so that when our athletes compete in the PON XXI 2024 in Aceh-Sumatra Utara, as well as other national and international events, they will achieve results that make us all proud,” said the KONI Chairman.
Prestigious Trophies and Intense Competition
The National Championship took place from October 7–9, 2022, with athletes competing for the Hamengku Buwono X Cup and the Indonesian Army Chief of Staff (KASAD) Cup.
Approximately 500 athletes from 16 regional FOBI branches competed in 13 different categories, making the championship one of the largest national lion dance events to date.
This competition not only showcased Indonesia’s young lion dance talents but also served as a stepping stone for future national and international achievements.
