Luhut's Promised Bonus Is Tempting, But Zohri Just Wants To Focus On Competing In The Olympics

Luhut Pandjaitan and Lalu Muhammad Zohri (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Indonesian runner Lalu Muhammad Zohri admitted that he only wanted to focus on competing in the Tokyo Olympics despite the promise of a bonus by PB PASI Chairman Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan when the two met on the sidelines of a training session at the Madya Senayan Stadium, Jakarta, Monday.

"When it comes to bonus matters, the important thing is I just focus on the match. I want to give the best and be able to record the best time as well", said Zohri, by Antara, Tuesday, May 4.

Previously, Luhut expressed his intention to provide bonuses for runners from West Nusa Tenggara if they could break records at the Tokyo Olympics which will start in July.

Zohri has a record time of running 100 meters 10.03 seconds. With this record, Luhut is sure that Zohri can qualify for the semifinals if he can maintain his timeline. However, if Zohri can log the time under 10 seconds then he is promised a bonus prize.

Zohri said that the target of under 10 seconds is his personal target at any championships he participates in, be it regional championships, world championships, or the Olympics.

"For me in any championship, the target is to run under 10 seconds. Yes, 09.99 seconds", Zohri said.

Ahead of the Olympics, Zohri's readiness has reached 90 percent. He only needs to maintain mentally, practice light technique, and cultivate confidence considering that he has been absent for a long time at the international arena due to the pandemic.

The injury he experienced before is believed to have recovered 100 percent and is ready to compete at the maximum.