Exploring the Lived Experience of Indonesian Petanque Athletes in the SEA Games:  A Phenomenological Study of Achievement, National Representation and Personal Transformation

Yusradinafi Yusradinafi; Ely Yuliawan; Sugih Suhartini; Bangkit Yudho Prabowo; Alek Oktadinata; Fadli Zainuddin

doi:10.33394/gjpok.v13i2.21290

Authors

Yusradinafi Yusradinafi Physical Education and Health, Univeritas Jambi, Indonesia
Ely Yuliawan Sports Coaching Education, Universitas Jambi, Indonesia
Sugih Suhartini Physical Education and Health, Univeritas Jambi, Indonesia
Bangkit Yudho Prabowo Sports Coaching Education, Universitas Jambi, Indonesia
Alek Oktadinata Physical Education and Health, Univeritas Jambi, Indonesia
Fadli Zainuddin Physical Education and Health, Universitas Pendidikan Mandalika, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33394/gjpok.v13i2.21290

Abstract

This study explores the lived experiences of Indonesian petanque athletes participating in the SEA Games, with particular attention to how they experienced achievement, national representation, psychological pressure, social relationships, and personal transformation. The study employed an interpretive phenomenological approach to understand the meanings participants attributed to their experiences. Four Indonesian national petanque athletes from Jambi, DKI Jakarta, Aceh, and Central Sulawesi served as the primary phenomenological participants, while one national coach was included as a contextual informant. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analysed with the assistance of NVivo 12 Pro. The analysis generated five interconnected experiential themes: (1) achievement as personal and family fulfilment; (2) struggle and sacrifice in pursuing elite sporting aspirations; (3) psychological pressure and emotional regulation in international competition; (4) national representation as a source of pride and responsibility; and (5) the SEA Games as a transformative experience. Across these themes, achievement was understood not simply as winning a medal, but as a meaningful experience involving family pride, representing Indonesia, overcoming personal and sporting challenges, learning from victory and defeat, and developing future aspirations. The findings highlight how Indonesian petanque athletes interpreted their SEA Games experiences within personal, relational, cultural, and national contexts.

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