Without Tokyo Paralympics Gold Medal Winner, Indonesian Badminton Team Still Aiming High Target At ASEAN Para Games 2022

The Indonesian badminton team that will participate in the 2022 ASEAN Para Games. (Photo: Doc. Kemenpora)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian badminton team in the 2022 ASEAN Para Games has set a high target. They are aiming for six gold medals in this event.

This struggle is quite difficult, especially since the Indonesian team was not reinforced by the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic gold medal winner Leani Ratri Oktila.

However, the coach of the Indonesian team, Yunita Ambar Wulandari, remains optimistic that this target can be achieved. Leani's absence is believed to not have a big impact.

"Of the 19 Indonesian NPC (National Paralympic Committees) badminton athletes consisting of 15 men and 4 women who plan to participate in six wheelchair, upper, lower, and SS 6 classes. and SS 6," said Ambar.

The Indonesian badminton team for the 2022 APG itself has mapped out the potential for a gold medal. The six gold medals are projected to be won through women's singles Warining Rahayu (SU 5), mixed doubles Fredy Setiawan/Khalimatus Sadiyah (SL 4), and women's singles Khalimatus Sadiyah (SL 4).

Then men's doubles Deva Anrimusti-Hafiz Brilliansyah (SU 5), men's singles Suryo Nugroho, Fredy Setiawan (SL 4) and men's doubles Fredy Setiawan/Dwiyoko (SL 3-4).

Ambar said that currently the condition of the athletes is in good condition and ready to fight. According to him, the athletes are now just focused on strengthening tactics, mentality and strategy to compete.

"Nearly 90 percent are ready," he said.

In addition to the target of six gold medals, Indonesian badminton players at APG 2022 are also expected to contribute four silver and four bronze. "Hopefully it misses the top, don't miss the bottom," said Ambar.

Athlete Suryo Nurgoho also conveyed a sense of optimism. He said, appearing at home is clearly an advantage.

"Hopefully, with the support of the fans here, we can increase our fighting spirit to offer the best," said Suryo, who also mentioned Malaysia as an opponent to watch out for.