RI Wins Paris 2024 Paralympic First Gold, Puan: Continue To Spread Red And White!

JAKARTA - Indonesia won the first gold medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics event from Hikmat Ramdani and Leani Ratri Oktila in the badminton sport. DPR Speaker Puan Maharani is proud of this achievement.

"Congratulations to Hikmat Ramdani and Leani Ratri Oktil for winning a gold medal in the badminton sport. I am proud and feel touched because Indonesia Raya has again been successfully sounded on the international competition stage," said Puan, Tuesday, September 3.

Puan said this achievement was certainly very proud because it was achieved from the results of the dedication and hard work of Indonesian athletes.

The achievement in the competition, which is an extraordinary celebration and enthusiasm for athletes with disabilities, is also considered by Puan to be an inspiration to many people, because people with disabilities can still provide the best achievements amidst their physical limitations.

"This is proof that with determination and effort, we can achieve great things even in challenging conditions. Athletes at the Paralympics show that with a high fighting spirit, all can achieve extraordinary achievements," said the first woman to serve as chairman of the DPR.

Puan also expressed her appreciation to all parties who have worked hard to make Indonesian sports more developed. Not only at the level of achievement, but also at the inclusiveness.

"Thank you also to all those who have contributed and worked hard in the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Such as the official team, coaches and other supporting staff," said Puan.

Currently, Indonesia has managed to collect 1 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze medals so that Indonesia temporarily ranked 28th at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Puan said achievements in international events such as the Paralympics would certainly increase Indonesia's positive image in the eyes of the world.

"Let's continue to fly the red and white in order to make Indonesia proud. I believe the Garuda team will spread its wings even higher," said Bung Karno's grandson, encouraging the Indonesian contingent.

On the other hand, Puan assessed that there are still several things that need to be developed. Starting from intensive athlete coaching and support for adequate budget training facilities.

"There needs to be more serious efforts to develop sports with disabilities in Indonesia. Starting from coaching athletes, providing facilities and infrastructure, to improving the quality of competition," explained Puan.

Puan assured all Paralympic athletes in Paris 2024, the Indonesian House of Representatives together with the Government and all Indonesian people will continue to provide full support. He asked athletes who have not competed or who have competed to continue their fighting spirit.

"We in Indonesia will fully support and continue to encourage the athletes. Continue to be enthusiastic and uphold your sportsmanship, achieve your best achievements," said the 2018 Asian Games Supervisory Board.

The Paris 2024 Paralympics take place from August 28 to September 8, 2024. Paris will host the first Paralympics in 2024 with 4,400 Paralympic athletes from around the world who will compete.

Indonesia itself sent 35 athletes to fight in the 2024 Paris Paralympics where 9 people competed in Badminton Sports, 5 each in Athletics and archery Schools, 4 Boccia Sports, 3 Tunanetra Judo Sports, 3 Heavy Lifting Sports, 3 Para Swimming Sports, and 1 athlete each at Table Tennis Sports, Bike Racing Sports, and Shooting Para Sports.

In particular, Puan appreciated the significant increase in Indonesia's ticket acquisition to appear in the 2024 Paralympics. There were 12 additional athletes to be able to compete in the Paralympics compared to 4 years ago, totaling 23 athletes.

"This is certainly an extraordinary thing. There is quite a lot of improvement. This is proof that the Indonesian sports world continues to progress," concluded Puan.