Zohri Uses World Indoor Athletics Championships In Serbia To Prep For SEA Games Hanoi

JAKARTA – Indonesian sprinter Lalu Muhammad Zohri will appear at the 2022 World Indoor Athletics Championships. The athlete from Lombok will also take advantage of the opportunity to prepare for the 2021 SEA Games Hanoi.

Zohri was the only Indonesian representative to appear at the Indoor Athletics World Championships on March 18-20 at the Stark Arena, Belgrade, Serbia. In this event, the 21-year-old runner will debut in the men's 60-meter run.

"Yes, there is no competition. The World Indoor Athletics Championships in Serbia are the only events prior to the Hanoi SEA Games," said the 2018 world junior athletics champion as quoted from Antara, Wednesday.

Until now, outside competitions are rarely held due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This situation made it difficult for the Executive Board of the All-Indonesia Athletics Association (PB PASI) to send Zohri and his friends.

For this reason, the championship in Serbia is one of the best opportunities for Zohri to hone his skills before appearing in Vietnam later. He also hopes to look good carrying the name of Indonesia.

"I ask for the support and prayers of the people to be able to give the best achievement for Indonesia. I also hope that the corona virus will disappear soon," said Zohri who left for Serbia on Tuesday, March 15 evening.

The Indoor Athletics World Championships, which will compete in 26 events, will be participated by 680 athletes from 137 countries, with details of 372 male athletes and 308 female athletes. Zohri came to the event after receiving an invitation from the organizers.