The Indonesian Aquatics Team Has the Ambition to End the Medal Drought at the 2023 Asian Games

Indonesian swimming athletes prepare themselves at the national training camp (Pelatnas) to face the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, which will take place from 23 September 2023 to 8 October 2023/NOC INDONESIA

JAKARTA –  The Indonesian aquatics team has the ambition to end the medal drought at the Asian Games when it appears in the 2023 Hangzhou edition which will take place from September 23 to October 8.

This optimism was conveyed by Indonesian Aquatics Team Manager Wisnu Wardhana during a visit by the Indonesian Olympic Committee (NOC Indonesia) with the Chef de Mission team to the national aquatics training center (Pelatnas) at the Gelora Bung Karno Aquatic Stadium, Senayan, Thursday, September 14.

"We actually have a realistic target of getting a medal," he said in an official statement received.

Indonesia's wait for a medal at the Asian Games in swimming has been going on for 33 years. The last time Indonesia won three bronze medals was at the 1990 Beijing Asian Games.

The medal was obtained through the performance of Richard Sam Bera (men's 100m freestyle), Wirmandi Sugriat (men's 200m breaststroke), and the women's 4x100m freestyle relay team led by Khim Tjia Fei, Meitri Widya Pangestika, Yen Yen Gunawan, and Elfira Nasution.

"There are several swimmers who we hope will have the opportunity to get medals, at least bronze, if possible silver," said Vishnu.

Swimmer I Gede Siman Sudartawa also expressed his confidence in getting a medal. He admitted that he was optimistic that he could provide the best performance for Merah Putih.

Siman is a senior athlete in the Indonesian aquatics squad who will go to Hangzhou and is expected to produce the best results.

"Optimistic, yes, and must be 100 percent. I will try my best," said Siman.

When he appeared at the Cambodia SEA Games, Siman's time in the 50 meter backstroke was 25.16 seconds. If you compare this record with the results of the top three in the 2018 Asian Games, he could be in the top three.

However, for the update the time is still in the top five when compared with data from the World Championship. "But I will still try to pursue and provide the best results," he said.