Asian Games boosts Asia 1 Million project in Indonesia

Asia Rugby’s commitment to growing the game across Asia got a boost from rugby sevens’ recent participation in the Asian Games

During the Games Asia Rugby and host union Indonesia ran an intensive training and education week delivering various World Rugby T&E courses as part of the Asia 1 Million Project.

The week was supported by Asia Rugby as part of their commitment towards growing the game in Indonesia, taking full advantage of the momentum of Indonesia hosting the Asian Games.

Get Into Rugby courses were also conducted during the event as a follow on to the investment made into Indonesia, with Asia Rugby’s rugby development consultant Ben Van Rooyen playing an integral role.

17 participants from all over Indonesia attended the course and people from provinces as far as Papua were trained in GIR, Safeguarding and had their first experience with X Rugby.

The S&C course was also run and conducted by Soh Zichun and Van Rooyen as part of World Rugby and Asia Rugby’s commitment to develop staff in Indonesia.

“Rugby has the potential to become a major sport in Indonesia,” said Van Rooyen. “We have seen thousands of children excited to play the game. I had the honour of training development coaches and the dedication and focus to grow the game in Indonesia was evident among the participants. Asia Rugby is committed to support PRUI.”

Agus Djamhoer, PRUI’s Vice Chairman for Development added: “This year, Get Into Rugby statistics in Indonesia are much better compared to the previous years and we are excited about this potential moving forward.“

“The Asian Games surely boosted the effort of spreading rugby in Indonesia and the media coverage provides a big benefit to PRUI for introducing rugby in Indonesia.”

“The Games helped raise the awareness of the game not only with the public but also to the government. A lot more Indonesian people know about rugby and PRUI is also more recognised by government to be a major sport organisation.

“They also boost our optimism and confidence that one day, rugby will become one of the most popular sport in Indonesia.”