Jakarta Targets to Win Two Gold Medals from Tennis
Reported by Aldi Geri Lumban Tobing | Translated by Nugroho Adibrata
The Jakarta contingent is targeting two gold medals from tennis at the PON XXI Aceh - North Sumatra 2024.
We're targeting at least two golds
Jakarta Pelti Pengprov Chairman, Hari Nugroho said Jakarta sent four female athletes who would compete in singles 1st, singles 2nd, and team events.
He expressed Jakarta last won gold in tennis at PON in Riau 2012.
President Jokowi Hopes PON XXI to Produce Nation's Best Athletes and World Record Breakers"For PON XXI 2024, we send four athletes, all female. We're targeting at least two golds," he expressed, Tuesday (9/10).
He explained the toughest opponent Jakarta faced was East Java. Based on the Pelti national ranking (PNP), East Java dominated with athletes ranked 1-10. However, he emphasized that the opponent's ranking should not be a barrier for Jakarta athletes.
"I ask you to focus on not losing to your opponent's ranking, the important thing is to play safe and focus. Even if the opponent's ranking is higher, there is no problem. The important thing is to look good, focus and be confident. That's our capital to win gold," he explained.
As for the information, Jakarta had made a good start in the preliminary round, winning the match against Lampung and will face West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) in the next match. With thorough preparation and strategy, Jakarta hopes to repeat its success in tennis and add to its gold medal tally at PON XXI 2024.
"My message to the athletes, play focused, thus we can become group champions. If we become group champions, we can meet East Java in the final, if we don't become group champions, we could possibly meet East Java in the semifinals. That's why, we have to win and become group champions, thus we can really reach the real final match," he stated.
