Indonesia Wins Gold in Swimming at 2018 Asian Para Games
Jakarta. Swimmer Syuci Indriani added one more gold to Indonesia's medal tally by finishing first in the women's SB14 100-meter breaststroke at the 2018 Asian Para Games on Monday evening.
Syuci completed the race in 1 minute 23.95 seconds, only 20 milliseconds faster than Mai Deguchi of Japan, who took silver. Mikika Serizawa, also of Japan, finished third.
"I didn't expect to win gold; all I had in mind was making it to the end," Syuci said, as quoted by state-run news agency Antara.
The 17-year-old also won bronze on Sunday, when she completed the women's S14 200-meter freestyle competition in 2 minutes 20.80 seconds.
Both S14 and SB14 are classes designated for swimmers with intellectual impairment.
"Always support us, because we are just like everyone else. Maybe we have limitations; that's where we're lacking. But our virtues are more important because they are precious," Syuci said.
The international multisport event is highlighting the talent and spirit of people with disabilities, presenting some of the strongest and most resilient people in Asia with an opportunity to shine.
During Sunday's opening ceremony, Asian Paralympic Committee president Majid Rashed said parasports have the power to challenge perceptions of disability.
"We want the athletes' performance to encourage and excite young people with disabilities across Asia; we want them to believe that there is no limit on what they can achieve and what they can do," Rashed said in his speech.
Indonesia, which has set a target of winning 18 gold medals at this year's Asian Para Games, has so far won five gold, seven silver and nine bronze medals, putting it in sixth place on the medal table.
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