The final matches comprise categories of women`s individual, men`s doubles, men`s team, men`s class B (50-55 kg), women`s class B, men`s class C (55-60 kg), women`s class C, and men`s class E (65-70 kg).
Indonesia`s pencak silat athletes competing in the Asian Games 2018 are Komang Harik Adi Putra, Iqbal Candra Pratama, Abdul Malik, Wewey Wita, Pipiet Khamelia, Sarah Tria Monita, Hanifan Yudani Kusumah, and Aji Bangkit Pamungkas.
Malik will fight against M. Nasir Muhammad Faizul from Malaysia, Wewei Wita against Trans Thi Them of Vietnam, Hanifan Yudani Kusumah vs Nguyen Thai Linh of Vietnam, and Komang Harik Adi Putra vs Mohd Al Jufferi Jamari from Malaysia.
This year, pencak silat, Indonesia`s traditional martial arts, is making its debut at the Asian Games.
Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Brunei Darussalam, India, Nepal, Laos, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Chinese Taipei, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan are the 16 countries participating in pencak silat in the 18th Asian Games.
Meanwhile, Malik, Indonesia`s pencak silat athlete, won 5-0 against BO Thammavongsa of Laos in pencak silat men`s 50-55 kg semi-final in Class B of the 18th Asian Games held here, Sunday.
Malik advanced to the final owing to the victory. He scored 5-0,5-0,5-1,5-0, and 3-3 in the first round; and 3-2,3-2,3-2,3-0, and 3-0 in the second round.
Thammavongsa ultimately lost to Malik 13-4,15-5,15-4,15-6, and 17-7.
Malik told the press that he was pleased and grateful to Allah SWT for being able to enter the final.
"There was no difficulty, as I knew the opponent`s tactic. I had twice met BO in the past. Alhamdulillah (Thank God), I played without burden. Now, I have to focus on the final," Malik stated.
In the final, Malik will play against Muhammad Faizul Nasir of Malaysia, who won against Dines Dumaan of the Philippines in the previous match.
Malik is optimistic of grabbing a gold medal, as he had defeated Nasir twice in the past matches.
"I will focus and must remain calm and relaxed. Being calm is one of the keys to victory," he added.
Editing by Fardah
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
