Direct Your Eyes To Hangzou, Give Support To The Indonesian Team At The Asian Para Games

Indonesian athletes who will fight in the 2023 Asian Para Games. (Photo: Doc. Kemenpora)

JAKARTA - The Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, invites the entire community to support the Indonesian contingent in the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzou, China. Support from the Indonesian people can be a motivation for all Garuda athletes and teams who are struggling to make the nation proud.

"This time, we have a bigger reason to feel proud, because our best athletes will participate in the 2023 Asian Para Games. Happy fighting for the nation's best Garuda, let's be proud of Mother Earth!" said Puan, Friday (20/10/2023).

"This is a moment of pride that will bring the spirit of humanity and unity in the midst of various Indonesian talents and diversity," continued Puan.

At the 2023 Asian Para Games, Indonesia sent 130 athletes who will participate in 12 sports (sports). The biggest sporting event in Asia for disabled athletes was held on 22-28 October 2023.

The 12 sports that will be followed by the Indonesian contingent are Archery, Blind Judo, Boccia, Lawn Bowls, Para Athletics, Badminton, Chess Para, Para Cycling, Para Powerlifting, Para Shooting, Para Swimming and Para Table Tennis.

Puan also hopes that all athletes can fight to achieve the medal target. Indonesia itself set a target to get 19 gold, 23 silver and 25 bronze in this year's Asian Para Games event.

"I believe the enthusiasm and dedication of all Indonesian contingents can make the medal achievement target met, even if it can exceed the target. Especially with the support of all the people," explained Puan.

The chairman of the 2018 Asian Para Games Steering Committee said that athletes with disabilities have their own advantages in their limited condition. According to Puan, there are many Indonesian Paragames athletes who have qualified quality.

"Let's be heroes for the nation and state, in the spirit of never giving up and fighting spirit that never goes out," he said.

Puan is optimistic about the achievement of the Indonesian contingent in the 2023 Asian Para Games. This reflects on the 2023 ASEAN Para Games event in Cambodia last June, where Indonesia came out as the overall champion with 159 gold medals, 148 silver medals and 94 bronze medals.

The Asian Para Games this time was held with additional challenges for athletes due to differences in temperature. Because while practicing in Solo, Indonesia, athletes face hot weather, while the temperature in China is currently relatively cooler. Puan believes the athletes are able to adapt.

"With the difference in weather there, I hope that the condition of the participating athletes remains excellent so that the body condition can adjust to the weather in China," explained the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

Furthermore, Puan encouraged the Government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora) to provide support and motivation for all athletes who struggle.

"The DPR continues to encourage every outstanding athlete to be given the proper appreciation, but for those who have not been able to meet expectations, don't blame them but still support them by continuing to provide assistance and training so that they can continue to hone their abilities," said Puan.