BALINEWSID.COM, BADUNG — Former Indonesian boxing champion Pino Jeffta Udayana Bahari, once a national hero on the international stage, is now facing serious health challenges while living in Bali.

Born in Denpasar on October 15, 1972, Pino rose to prominence after winning a gold medal at the 1990 Asian Games, cementing his status as one of Indonesia’s boxing legends.

However, life after retirement has proven difficult. Pino revealed that he currently has no permanent job and relies on financial support from family and close friends to meet his daily needs.

“My biggest support right now comes from my family and friends. I have also communicated with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia regarding my medical needs, including surgery, but I’m still waiting for confirmation,” Pino said on Wednesday (April 29, 2026).

Pino’s condition has once again drawn attention to a longstanding issue in Indonesian sports: the lack of adequate welfare and social security for retired athletes. Many spend their prime years training and competing, leaving little opportunity to build careers outside sports.

In boxing, an athlete’s career span is relatively short, with most fighters competing only until around the age of 40. After retirement, many are forced to start over without sufficient financial stability.

In light of this, Pino is urging the government, particularly the Ministry of Youth and Sports, to establish clear regulations ensuring the future welfare of athletes.

He called for legislation that would provide pension funds for accomplished athletes, allowing them to maintain a decent standard of living after retiring from competition.

“With legal certainty, athletes can focus on achieving excellence without. Parents would also feel more confident encouraging their children to pursue sports,” said Pino, the son of late Balinese boxing promoter Daniel Bahari.

According to Pino, funding for athlete welfare could be allocated by the government, but what is urgently needed is a structured system and strong commitment to honoring the contributions of those who have brought pride to the nation.

“I hope the government can create laws to guarantee the future of retired athletes, so those who have achieved for the country can continue to live with dignity,” he concluded.