Masany Gultom grew up in Indonesia as the youngest child in a family of six. Her father served in the army and her mother stayed at home to care for the children. Masany did not have access to sport while growing up, due to traditional gender norms and social stereotypes. There were no sports leagues for girls, and, due to cultural expectations, opportunities for participation were nonexistent. “In my country, society says that women should not be athletes,” Masany says. “Women should be housewives. They are responsible for the family. There is no good that can come from that outlook.” 

Despite her zeal for the Olympics and the sport industry, Masany pursued a degree in English. “I was supposed to be an English teacher,” she says. “However, God led me to sport and I am just following.” Masany served as the General Manager of the Indonesian Developmental Basketball League, and was considered one of the most powerful women in the Indonesian sports sector.