Secretary General of PASI Chapter in North Sumatra Drs Suharjo MPd, stated that the athletes had continued to finalize preparations while also mapping out the strengths of their counterparts from other regions, who will be their opponents.
"Our athletes also had time to undergo training in cold weather, specifically in Berastagi. This aims to acclimatize their body temperature to areas with cold weather as well to strengthen their bodies," he noted on Friday.
Suharjo believes that the strength of each participating athlete in Papua PON is quite alike. However, Suharjo is aiming to build their spirit that will determine the achievement.
"All opponents are equally tough. However, the important aspect is that we remain aware of the strength of all opponents. At the end, the most prepared athlete is the one who will be the winner," he remarked.
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Regarding the toughest opponents expected to be stumbling blocks for North Sumatra to win a medal are the athletes from Java, such as Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, and East Java, according to Suharjo.
"Meanwhile, Papuan athletes, as the host for this National Games, cannot be considered as the toughest competitors. This is because their preparation is considered normal," he stated.
Those competing in the Papua PON Athletics branch, North Sumatra, comprise Welman Pasaribu, Abdul Hafiz, M. Syahrial Bakti, Hardodi Sihombing, Syafaad Tarigan, M. Kahairuddin Syahputra, and Pramoedya Sufallah.
The others competing in the branch are Shafwan Hafizh Nasution, Berman Siahaan, Firton Lumbantoruan, Pretty Sihite, Agustina Manik, Sri Astuti, Rustika Sibagariang, Ananda Monika Tarigan, and Nur Ainun Warin Angin.
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Translator: Juraidi, Resinta S
Editor: Suharto
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