Host ends 40-year gold drought in sepak takraw

Posted : 22 Nov 2011 11:14:35

Palembang (UR) –

Indonesian men's sepak takraw team won gold at the 26th SEA Games to end 40 years of  medal drought since the Indonesia Sepak Takraw Association was established.

Saiful Rijal, Yudi Purnomo and Nourizal defeated Myanmar 3-2 in a dramatic and tense match at the Sriwijaya Promotion Center in Palembang on Monday.

Team manager Usep Saparudin said the win was historic.

“After waiting 40 years, Indonesia has won gold,” he said, adding that the players had fought hard to topple Myanmar.

“We are proud to have recorded a golden achievement at the 26th SEA Games,” Usep said, adding that he hoped the victory would spur the development of sepak takraw in the country.

Team coach Bambang Edy said the key to victory was the players’ ability to overcome psychological blocks.

“The kids managed to shrug off fear and were also lucky to win against Myanmar,” he said.

Indonesia’s win adds gold to the country’s haul of three silver and two bronze medals in the sport. UR 5

 

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