INDONESIA, the 2013 Games champion, have set a target of 107 gold medals in the 9th ASEAN Para Games, a figure considered realistic based on the contingent’s systematic training for the last one year.
“We are confident of winning 107 gold medals, 110 silvers and 68 bronze medals in this 9th edition of the Games and in the process emerge as overall champions,” said Chef de Mission Dr Bayu Rahardin.
“Two years ago we finished in second place (81-74-63) behind champions Thailand who won 95 gold medals. This time the athletes have been in training since last March and are in excellent physical condition.”
“We have assembled the best athletes for the Kuala Lumpur edition of the Para Games and are confident of winning gold medals in athletics, swimming, table tennis, chess, badminton and powerlifting,” he said, adding that they will also compete in bowling, archery, goalball and football.
Chef de mission Dr. Bayu Rahardian said the Indonesian contingent are made up of 200 and down to compete in 11 out of 16 events on offer.
At the 2013 Myanmar Games, Indonesia won 99 gold medals – three more than Thailand who finished in second place.
He added that athletes from Indonesia should take the 2017 ASEAN Para Games as preparation for the 2018 Asian Paragames in Palembang.
