Could the next Lin Dan be Indonesian?

Indonesia has the potential to produce international sporting superstars like Lin Dan or Christian Ronaldo, according to a leading Australian sports scientist.

Speaking at a seminar co-hosted by the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) and the Australian Embassy, Dr Jason Gulbin, an expert in the field of Talent Identification, said Indonesia has great sporting potential.

“Indonesia could use contemporary talent identification and development techniques to seek out its next international superstar, whether that is in badminton, football, athletics, karate or other sports,” said Dr Gulbin. “With a 240 million-strong population and the right coaching and sports science, the next Lin Dan or Christian Ronaldo could be Indonesian.”

Some of Indonesia’s top sports coaches, administrators, physiotherapists, professors, doctors and teachers attended the seminar to learn about talent identification techniques.

Program Manager at the Indonesian Olympic Committee, Dr Greg Wilson, believes that increasing Indonesian skills in talent identification should see their national teams improve on their results globally.

“We can learn from the Australian sports system. Australia has proven that through strategic investment in sports science and talent identification, it is able to find athletes in certain sports who may be more suited to others,” Dr Wilson said.

Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Greg Moriarty, values the strengthening sports cooperation between Australia and Indonesia and hopes it will improve mutual understanding between the countries.

“The ongoing cooperation between the Australian Embassy and the Indonesian Olympic Committee is a great example of Australians and Indonesians cooperating through sport and further strengthens our bilateral ties,” said Ambassador Moriarty.
“By transferring Australian skills and knowledge to the Indonesian sporting public, it is hoped that Indonesia can raise the level of its sporting achievements at an international level and Australians can learn more about Indonesian culture at the same time,” added Ambassador Moriarty.

Dr Jason Gulbin is the Head of Discipline for Athlete Pathway Development at the Australian Institute of Sport.

Media Enquiries:
Ray Marcelo, Counsellor - Public Affairs, tel. (021) 2550 5290 mob 0811 187 3175