Sepak Takraw Contributes Indonesia's 31st Gold Medal at 2018 Asian Games
Jakarta. Indonesia earned its last gold medal a day before the closing ceremony of the 2018 Asian Games in the men's sepak takraw quadrant event after defeating Japan in the final at Jakabaring Sport City in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Saturday (01/09).
This is the first time Indonesia won gold in sepak takraw, or kick volleyball, at the Asian Games since 2006. The sport is typically played by two teams of three players each. The quadrant event involves two teams of four players each.
Indonesia won Saturday's match 15-21, 21-14 and 21-16. The host nation lost to Japan in the first game after failing to counter relentless pressure from the Japanese.
"In the first set, we were slacking, mostly blocking. In the second set, I ordered the athletes to improve their blocking ability against their opponents. Thank God, [the strategy] was successful," Indonesian sepak takraw coach Asry Syam said, as quoted by Antara.
Singapore and Vietnam both won bronze in the men's quadrant event.
Indonesia also won one silver and two other bronze medals in the sepak takraw men's event and another bronze in the women's quadrant event.
The sport's total contribution to Indonesia's medal tally is five: one gold, one silver and three bronze.
As of Saturday evening, Indonesia had won a total of 31 gold, 24 silver and 43 bronze medals.
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