Palembang, S Sumatra, (ANTARA News) - Athletes from nine countries will still be competing for two gold medals in the 20-km roller skate race at the 2018 Asian Games at the Jakabaring Sport City of Palembang in South Sumatra, Friday afternoon.

The nine countries to take part in the fight for two gold medals in the race are Thailand, China, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei, India, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, South Korea, and the host country Indonesia.

Indonesian roller skating coach Faisal Norman affirmed that the athletes under his care are ready for combat.

According to the coach, who is familiarly known as Norman, on the last day of the exercise, the four athletes had also determined the selection of wheels that were suitable for the afternoon race.

He also expressed hope that the hot weather in Palembang will be an advantage for Indonesian athletes.

"To be honest, our power is indeed still inferior to Korea and Taiwan, but we will try to overcome it with durability and adaptation to the hot weather here as well as mastery of a good racing line," he explained.

He remarked that South Korea, Chinese Taipei, and China will play their world champions, so the competition will be quite intense for Indonesia.

"However, we will optimize our efforts while we play at home. Hopefully, there will be a blessing here," Norman stated.

Earlier, the athletes had received training for two months from March to May 2018 in Geisingen, Germany. They also had time to take part in the World Championship before undergoing training in Germany with satisfactory results, ranked 19th.

Four Indonesian athletes -- Muhammad Oky Andrianto, Tias Andira, Salam Falya Niluh Heryadie, and Alifia Meidia Namasta -- will compete in the men`s and women`s road 20km race.
Reporting by Syarif Abdullah
Editing by Otniel Tamindael



Reporter: Antara
Editor: Suharto
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