Jakarta Athletics Set to Surpass Gold Target at 2025 POPNAS
Reported by Aldi Geri Lumban Tobing | Translated by Maria Inggita
Jakarta student athletes continue to shine at POPNAS 2025. In athletics, the Jakarta contingent has so far won 3 gold medals, 1 silver, and 2 bronze. With these achievements, they remain optimistic about reaching their gold medal target.
"We are optimistic about winning four or five medals, or even more,"
The gold medals were won by Keishie Aziza Maulidina in the women's long jump, Asyrafi Khaizur Yusqi in the men's 400-meter hurdles, and Francia Richelle Matital in the women's 800 meters. Meanwhile, Milani Fauziah Putri earned silver in the women's 400-meter hurdles, followed by two bronze medals from Keiva Halil in the men's long jump and Jasmine Mumtaz Sasy in the women's 400-meter hurdles.
Women's Team Badminton Jakarta to Face West Java in Group DJakarta athletics coach, Wardoyo AR, said this result marks an important start, considering Jakarta's target is to surpass the four gold medals won at POPNAS two years ago. This year, athletics at POPNAS features 38 events for both men and women.
He expressed confidence that with three gold medals won in a single day, the minimum target can be reached or even exceeded.
Wardoyo believes that Jakarta's home advantage plays a crucial role in their strong performance. The athletics competitions take place at Ragunan Student Sports Training Center (PPOP), a familiar training ground for the athletes.
"Being well-acquainted with the track conditions and the familiar atmosphere helps boost their confidence to perform at their best," he said.
In addition, the results from the first competition showed that Jakarta has successfully improved its strength mapping. Sports that weren't initially seen as strong contenders, like the women's long jump and men's 400-meter hurdles, ended up delivering surprising results.
"The high motivation of competing in front of a home crowd provides an extra boost. If you lose at home, how does that look? That becomes a multiplied motivation to win," he mentioned.
Wardoyo noted that the distribution of medal potential is now much more balanced among the participating contingents. He hopes that the strong support from the host will continue to be a positive energy throughout the POPNAS XVII event.
"We are optimistic about winning four or five medals, or even more. Playing at home, the prestigious atmosphere of POPNAS lifts the athletes' spirit significantly," he shared.
