Tokyo Aquatic Center Will Be Opened Friday, Indonesian Para-swimming Team Haven't Been Able To Practice Maximally

Two Indonesian para-swimming athletes who will appear at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, namely Jendi Pangabean (left) and Syuci Indriani (right) (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Two Indonesian para-swimming athletes have been in Japan since last Tuesday. However, until now Jendi Pangabean and Syuci Indriani have not been able to practice optimally because the Tokyo Aquatic Center will only open on Friday tomorrow.

Even so, the two athletes still took advantage of their time in Tokyo to maintain their fitness by doing light exercises at the Paralympic Athlete Village.

"Because we haven't been able to practice in the pool, we can only do stretching, light exercises, and a little physical", Jendi said in the official broadcast of NPC Indonesia, which was reported by Antara, Thursday.

"Hopefully on August 20, we will be able to practice in the swimming pool", said Jendi, who will compete in his flagship number 100 meters S9 men's backstroke.

Syuci Indriani also expressed the same hope, who did light exercises in her room.

Assisted by the coach, Syuci only did stretching and conditioning exercises until later she could practice directly in the swimming pool.

However, Syuci admitted that he was still excited and confident to compete in the second Paralympics.

"I am very excited and confident in the Tokyo Paralympics this time, which is my second event during my career as an athlete", said Syuci.

Syuci will compete on August 25. The winner of two gold medals at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta will compete in three events, namely the women's 100 meters S14 butterfly, 100 meters women's SB14 breaststroke, and 200 meters women's SM14 individual medley.