Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Indonesian boxing referee Muhammad Arisa Putra Pohan, known as Boy Pohan, becomes the only Southeast Asian referee officiating at the Paris 2024 Olympics. 

He is leading the semifinals in the boxing tournaments.

“I’m honored to be the only Southeast Asian referee remaining, with others coming from different continents. I hope to also officiate in the finals,” Boy said in a press release issued by the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) on Tuesday (6/8/2024).

The Paris 2024 Olympics is Boy’s second Olympic appearance as a referee, following Tokyo 2020. In Paris, he has been assigned to three bouts daily from the preliminary rounds through the quarterfinals, according to antaranews.com.

Boy ’s selection involved rigorous evaluations by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Only 15 referees, including Boy, will officiate in the semifinals and finals. Referees are assessed by Price Waterhouse Cooper and the Paris Boxing Unit.

Boy hopes for continued Indonesian representation in future Olympics, including having boxers qualify for Los Angeles 2028. 

(mg/inp/pr/nm)