Lowokwaru, MC – The success of qualifying 14 athletes to PON XIX after going through fierce competition in Pra-PON (National Sports Week) XIX at Pertamina Building, Brawijaya University (UB) Malang is a valuable asset for the East Java PON wrestling team. In order for the East Java wrestling team in PON West Java which is planned to be held in September 2016 to win gold and make history, various improvements must continue to be made, Thursday (3/12).
In Pra-PON XIX, the East Java wrestling contingent finished in third place by winning four gold medals, three silver and seven bronze. Coming out as the overall champion was the team from East Kalimantan by winning 13 gold, two silver and five bronze, while in second place was the team from South Kalimantan by winning six gold, four silver and six bronze.
East Java wrestling coach, Rachman said the achievement of four gold, three silver and seven bronze in Pra-PON XIX was a good result. From this achievement, the East Java wrestling team increasingly knows what to do to be able to win gold in PON Jabar 2016.
"It's not just the mainstay wrestlers who won gold like Hasan Sidik, Hendrik Kurniawan and Sugiono. East Java wrestlers like Dimas Sapto, Bayu Billi and Hanif also performed well, even if they lost it was due to flying hours," explained Rachman, Thursday (3/12).
The number of wrestlers who were previously less reliable but were able to make a surprise in Pra-PON is a good feeling for East Java. With the average age of wrestlers who are all under 30 years old, there are still many opportunities to hone and maximize their abilities when they appear in PON Jabar.
"From the Pra-PON map yesterday, we already know the extent of the opponent's strength map. I am sure that if the athletes are willing to work hard and the coach can direct, in the West Java PON, the East Java wrestling team can make a surprise," said Rachman.
In addition to wrestlers from East Kalimantan and South Kalimantan who are rampant in Pra-PON, according to Rachman there is one more strength that should be watched out for. As the host, West Java did not send its athletes in Pra-PON Jatim. This could be that they have good strength and their strength is not monitored. (cah/yon)
