VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Mar. 16 - All athletes competing in the Indonesian Basket League (IBL) in Robinson Resort, Bogor, West Java, were administered the COVID-19 vaccination.

The inoculation mirrors the support of the Youth and Sports Ministry and Health Ministry to safeguard athletes against COVID-19 and to boost their self-confidence to compete in the event amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We have fulfilled the pledge to vaccinate IBL participants (against the COVID-19). Data (of the athletes) were received three weeks ago and were later processed at the Health Ministry," Secretary of the Youth and Sports Ministry Gatot S. Dewa Broto noted in a press statement released on Tuesday.

"May the vaccination have a constructive impact on the athletes' immunity because there (at the arena) they follow the highly stringent health protocols," he remarked.

Amartha Hangtuah athlete Abraham Wenas admitted to feeling more confident to compete in the event after having received his second shot of the COVID-19 vaccine.

"Of course, I am happy. This is the second vaccine I have received. I was administered the first shot of the vaccine along with my friends. I am happy because this vaccine has raised my confidence during the pandemic. However, this does not reduce my awareness to follow the health protocols," he remarked.

IBL 2021 kicked off on March 10, 2021, and will complete its first series on March 17, 2021. The second series will commence on March 18, 2021. (Antaranews)