The First Batch Of SEA Games Hanoi 2021 From Football And Rowing Sports Departs For Vietnam

Head coach Shin Tae-yong (Photo: DOK NOC)

JAKARTA – The sports (sports) of football and rowing were officially released for the 2021 SEA Games in Hanoi. The two sports departed early because they had a match schedule before the opening event.

The departure of the first batch was directly released by Chef de Mission (CdM) Ferry Kono on Tuesday, May 3. The Indonesian football team will have their inaugural match against host Vietnam on May 6, while the rowing match will be on May 9.

"Today we are releasing the first batch to Vietnam, there are two groups in the first batch, namely the advance team with 40 people from rowing and soccer, totaling 20 athletes, 8 officials, and 10 extra-officials", said Ferry.

In Vietnam later, head coach Shin Tae-yong will schedule several practice sessions before the group stage matches.

The manager of the Indonesian national team, Uden Kusuma Wijaya, explained that his team was in good condition.

"We will also continue to motivate them. We will take advantage of the slightest opportunity during the SEA Games later", said Uden.

In addition to the host, the Indonesian football team is in a group with Myanmar, the Philippines, and Timor Leste. Indonesia and Vietnam are predicted to win the group champion status.

Indonesian football is targeted to bring home a gold medal. Merah Putih has so far won two gold medals in the history of the biennial event, where the last time it happened was in 1991.

In the previous edition in the Philippines 2019, the Garuda squad brought home silver. At that time, Indra Sjafri's squad lost to Vietnam in the final match.

The Vietnam SEA Games will be open from May 12 to May 23. The Indonesian contingent participated in 32 of the 40 sports that were competed.

This SEA Games is the second time Vietnam has appeared as the host of the prestigious biennial multi-event in the Southeast Asia region. The last time, Vietnam hosted in 2003.