Papua’s futsal team is reigniting the spirit of victory they once proudly claimed when they secured the gold medal at the 20th National Sports Week (PON XX) in 2021. That golden moment now serves as both a memory and a mission: to bring glory home once again at the upcoming PON 2028, set to take place in West Nusa Tenggara and East Nusa Tenggara.

This mission is not just wishful thinking—it’s taking shape through early and strategic action. Under the leadership of Daud Arim, Chairman of the Papua Provincial Futsal Association (AFK Papua) and the coach who led the team to gold in 2021, a new talent selection program has been announced. The open trials will take place on June 27 and 28, 2025, at the Mutiara Hitam Futsal Arena in Polimak.

“Although the Pre-PON and PON tournaments are still some years away, we want to begin our preparation early, for both men’s and women’s teams,” said Daud Arim. The selection is open to all talented young Papuans born on or after January 1, 2005 (men) and January 1, 2004 (women).

More than just identifying new players, this selection process is a call to action for Papua’s youth—to step up and continue the province’s proud tradition of athletic excellence, and possibly join the ranks of national futsal stars and future Indonesian national team players.

“We want to repeat the success we had in the previous PON. Back then, we prepared our players steadily from 2018 to 2020. That’s why this early selection is essential,” Daud emphasized with confidence.

With long-term commitment and strong belief in its homegrown talents, Papua is once again proving that success is not a coincidence—it is the result of vision, planning, and dedication. Through sports, the province continues to shine on the national stage.

📌 Source: Cenderawasih Pos – “Futsal Papua Buka Seleksi untuk PON 2028”, June 17, 2025