'U-22 National Team Fantasic, Dramatical And Extraordinary'

JAKARTA - The Indonesian U-22 National Team (Timnas) successfully brought gold home to Indonesia at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia. Commission X of the DPR congratulated the success of the nation's best sons after waiting for 32 years at the biggest sporting event in Southeast Asia.

"Fantastic, dramatic, extraordinary thumbs up, that's an expression we should give to young Garuda, the U-22 national team who won gold," said Member of Commission X DPR RI, Andreas Hugo Pareira, Wednesday, May 17.

In last night's final match which took place at the Phnom Phen Stadium, Cambodia, the Indonesian U-22 national team managed to beat Thailand in a dramatic way. Indra Syafri's squad had to draw in 90 minutes of normal time with the score equal to 2-2.

It was only in the extra time round that Indonesia was able to strengthen the champion with a final score of 5-2. This is the first gold medal in the football sport after the 2011 edition of the SEA Games. The 32-year wait for Indonesian football lovers has finally been cured, with the fighting spirit of young Garuda.

And the Garuda Team managed to beat a team from a country that had been a'momok' for Indonesian football.

The mentality of competing that never gives up is proof that we can also beat the two teams that in recent years have become frightening'monsters' for Indonesia. Vietnam in the semifinals and Thailand in the Finals," explained the legislator from the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) I electoral district.

Andreas also expressed his appreciation for the All-Indonesian Football Association (PSSI). According to him, it is necessary to have a hard and consistent figure in building sports, especially football in order to continue to gain achievements.

"Hopefully the good start of Erick Thohir's leadership at PSSI together with a team of coaches who are united both in the Indra Syafri circle and Shin Tae Yong will break the deadlock in Indonesia's football achievements," said Andreas.

On the other hand, Andreas also believes that the generation of Indonesian football will continue to grow and provide proud achievements for the nation. With training and support programs from all parties, Indonesia is believed to be not only victorious in sports events throughout Southeast Asia or Asia, but to the world level.

The spirit shown by Rizki Ridho, Marselino Ferdinand, Fajar Faturahman and his friends is a motivation for the generation of Indonesian football, "he said. Like a fire that never goes out, Andreas hopes that Indonesia's sports achievements will remain bright in the international arena. In addition, Indonesian athletes are also expected to always foster a spirit of never giving up, train diligently and strive to continue to improve their abilities.

"We can, with emotion, be proud that we witnessed the red and white flying accompanied by Indonesia Raya. Thank you, young Garuda," said Andreas.

The closing ceremony of the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, will be held on Wednesday (17/5) night. Indonesia also ranked third by collecting 87 gold, 80 silver and 109 bronze medals.

The number of Indonesian gold collections is almost 50 pieces adrift of Vietnam, which topped the standings. Vietnam ranks first with 136 gold, 105 silver and 114 bronze.

Thailand, which is in second place, collected 108 gold, 96 silver and 108 bronze. Host Cambodia, who had led the medal standings a few days ago, had to settle for ending the 2023 SEA Games in fourth place with 81 gold, 74 silver and 126 bronze.

Indonesia itself sent athletes to compete in 31 sports out of 36 sports competed in the 2023 SEA Games. Indonesia managed to come out to become the overall champion in 8 sports, namely Esports, Bike Racing, Tennis, Badminton, Pencak Silat, Wushu, Weightlifting and Football.

"Congratulations to the Indonesian contingent who managed to bring home many medals. This proud achievement is the result of the cooperation of all parties, including community support," said Andreas.

"Let's continue to support the progress of Indonesian sports. I am optimistic that this victory will become a new energy for the revival of Indonesia's achievements in the field of sports. The DPR will continue to provide support through our function of duty and authority," he concluded.