Indonesiantalk.com — Commemorating One Hundred Years: National Table Tennis Championship Officially Opened by POR Maesa Patron, Commissioner General (Ret.) Prof. Dr. Petrus R. Golose
A historic moment unfolded at Baywalk Mall Pluit, Jakarta, on Friday, April 19, 2024, as the Patron of POR Maesa, Commissioner General (Ret.) Prof. Dr. Petrus R. Golose, officially opened the National Table Tennis Championship.
This event not only served as a sports competition but also as a celebration of the one hundred years of POR Maesa’s existence, a Minahasa community sports association that has made significant contributions to the world of sports in Indonesia.
In his address, the three-star General emphasized, “POR Maesa is a Minahasa community sports association that has been established since April 1924, so in this year 2024 marks the journey of one hundred years or a century of POR Maesa’s contribution to sports in the homeland.”
Since its inception, POR Maesa has provided a platform for talented athletes to develop and excel, both nationally and internationally. One of the sports promoted by POR Maesa is table tennis, which has become popular among Indonesians regardless of age.
It is hoped that through the organization of this championship, POR Maesa can continue to contribute to the search for outstanding talents, especially in the field of table tennis, while fostering brotherhood among all parties involved.
The championship has successfully attracted the attention of the wider community, with a total of 177 participants. They are divided into 60 male singles, 30 female singles, and 87 Kawanuan division singles.
More than just a competition to win matches, this event also emphasizes high sportsmanship values. “This activity is not just about winning or losing but about how we can always uphold sportsmanship during the match,” said Prof. Dr. Petrus R. Golose.
With enthusiasm, he declared the opening of the National Table Tennis Championship by sharing the motto, “Speed up never let up.” And presented a quatrain that depicts the spirit and perseverance in facing challenges:
“In the scorching heat of the day,
Take a moment to sit on the terrace,
Remain steadfast, never give way,
To win, one must work hard without a pause.”
Participants and spectators are encouraged to approach this event with the same spirit, while extending best wishes to all involved. May this championship be a proud celebration for POR Maesa and mark the beginning of illustrious achievements in the future.
