Indonesian Athletes For The 2023 SEA Games Are Urged To Maintain Conditions During Eid Al-Fitr

Illustration - Selection for weightlifting for the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, which was held in Jakarta on February 2. (Doc. NOC Indonesia)

JAKARTA - Chef de Mission (CdM) of the Indonesian contingent at the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games, Lexyndo Hakim, appealed to all Merah Putih athletes to maintain conditions during Eid al-Fitr 1444 H as recommended by the coaching team.

"We must pay attention to athletes who continue to carry out training consistently in the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan has become a momentum to forge the mental and physical athletes. We also urge athletes to maintain conditions during Eid for the sake of peak performance, they will be maintained at the SEA Games later," Lexy said in a written statement quoted by Antara in Jakarta, Thursday.

Most of the preparations for Indonesian athletes for the 2023 SEA Games which will take place on May 5-17 coincide with the month of Ramadan and Eid. In fact, many athletes must be willing to observe fasting and the moment of Eid al-Fitr is far from their families.

All done for the maximum results at the biggest sporting event in Southeast Asia in the 32nd edition. Moreover, the Indonesian contingent is targeted to maintain its previous achievements by ranking third in the final standings of medals.

Lexy also advised athletes to take advantage of Lebaran's momentum by asking for their parents' blessing and prayers so that they can excel at the Cambodian SEA Games. Because, the blessing and prayers of parents will add to their mentality before fighting in the competition arena.

"If anyone has time to return home on the sidelines of the national training, don't forget to ask for blessings from parents and family. Prayers and enthusiasm from the family, I think, will also be a stimulus for the success of the Cambodian SEA Games later," said Lexy.

"The accumulation of excellent physical and mental strengths after Ramadan and Eid will ensure we get maximum results at the SEA Games," Lexy concluded.

At the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, Indonesia fielded 599 athletes from 31 sports. With this number, it is hoped that Indonesia can win 60 gold medals to maintain the top three positions. Compared to the previous SEA Games XXXI/2021 which was rolling in Vietnam, last year, the number of the Red and White Contingent increased.

At that time, Indonesia sent 499 athletes and was ranked third in the Vietnam SEA Games most medals standings with 69 gold, 91 silver, and 81 bronze.

The first position is the host Vietnam with 205 gold, 125 silver, and 116 bronze. Thailand is in second place with 92 gold, 103 silver, and 136 bronze.