The Jakarta men's basketball team made history at PON XXI Aceh - North Sumatra 2024 by winning a gold medal after defeating East Java in a dramatic final match at the Harapan Bangsa Sports Hall (GOR), Banda Aceh, Tuesday (9/10).

I dedicate it to my mom

The narrow win not only secured gold for Jakarta, but also secured gold medals for both the men's and women's basketball teams, an unprecedented achievement.

Besides Jakarta people, this winning was also important for one of the key men's basketball players, Hendrick Xavi Yonga, who successfully realized the dream that his mother had once achieved, making this golden moment even more special and historic.

He expressed his happiness over this victory and dedicated the gold medal to his mother, who was his inspiration in pursuing a career in basketball.

"I dedicate it to my mom. Wanting to enter PON was inspired by her, she was also an athlete at PON Jakarta in the 90s and she also won gold. She always reminded me that I should also get gold. Alhamdulillah (thank God). Today I got gold too," he expressed, after the final at Harapan Bangsa GOR, Banda Aceh.

When asked about the tight match and the narrow score that made the match so thrilling, he emphasized, whatever the conditions, his desire to become a champion was always his main motivation.

"No matter what, I have a big desire to be a champion," he exclaimed.

He was also impressed by the support of fans from Aceh who faithfully attended every match of the Jakarta basketball team. He expressed his appreciation to the supporters and hoped that more basketball events would be held in Aceh.

"Amazing, I think Aceh should have more basketball events and I know for sure there are spectators here and they like basketball. Hopefully, IBL will be in Aceh one day too," he explained.

As an appreciation, he would give something special to the fans who always give their support.

"I will give my jersey," he stated.

As for the information, Hendrick Xavi Yonga is a professional basketball player from Indonesia. His name began to be widely known after defending the Indonesia Patriots in the IBL Pertamax 2021. He is the son of Francis Yonga, a former footballer who played for Arema Malang and Persikota Tangerang. In 2019, Hendrick Xavi Yonga entered the NBA All-Star Basketball Without Borders which was held in Japan.