Central Java and West Java are chasing each other at the top of Peparnas

Central Java and West Java are chasing each other at the top of Peparnas”/>

Athletes compete quickly in the 200m race. (MI/Widjajadi)

COMPETITION at the XVII Solo 2024 National Paralympic Week (Peparnas) entered its second day, Tuesday (8/10), starting to heat up. Especially the contingents of two provinces, namely Central Java and West Java, which are at the top of the standings, are chasing each other to win medal after medal to seal the title of overall champion.

Central Java stands at the top with a collection of 47 gold, 38 silver and 33 bronze medals. West Java stuck closely with 39 gold, 39 silver and 39 bronze. The third position in the standings is occupied by Riau with 13 gold, 9 silver and 19 bronze medals.

One of the athletics athletes hosting Central Java, Mei Dista Afdarista, is determined to gain as many medals as possible in the Solo edition of the multi-sport event with disabilities.

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Mei has won a gold medal in the women’s long jump T13 class. Apart from the long jump, he also competed in the 200 meter, 400 meter and universal relay events.

“I really want to bring Central Java to become the overall champion. God willing, I can,” said the woman who competes in athletics when met at the Sriwedari Stadium in Solo.

This athlete from Cepu Blora performed brilliantly with the longest jump of 4.89 meters, to beat the athlete from Bali, Ni Wayan Ayu Alvina Febriani Bhujangga, and the representative of East Nusa Tenggara Marsella VB Fallo.

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This 21 year old athlete admitted that he was happy with his achievements. Moreover, this is his first gold medal at Peparnas XVII. He didn’t forget to thank the people who had supported him.

“There is a training camp (TC), coincidentally in Solo. The training is also often in Sriwedari. There are advantages too, because you already know the terrain by heart,” continued Mei.

Meanwhile, West Java athletics athlete, Muhammad Ridh Allfares Putra, did not want to be outdone by the boasts of the Central Java contingent. He has won a gold medal in the men’s 100 meter T38 race.

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This 19 year old young man was the fastest with a time of 12.22 seconds. At Peparnas XVII, Ridho also showed off his abilities in the 200 meters, 400 meters and relay events.

“Thank God for my struggle, I can achieve it. My dream and aspiration is to become a champion,” said Ridho after receiving the medal.

Ridho beat athlete from Banten Rifor Marangga (12.47 seconds), Papuan representative Slamet Riansya (13.02 seconds), and athlete from Bali I Nyoman Mahendra Yasa (13.30 seconds).

Competition between Central Java and West Java also occurs in a number of sports, such as Taekwondo, swimming, blind judo and badminton. (N-2)