"The mental outlook of these kids is outstanding," Lena stated after the match at the Mimika Sport Complex, Mimika District, Papua.
According to Lena, talking about the final means taking into account the mental aspect too. Without mental fortitude, the coach believes all strategies and abilities of the team would prove futile in the arena.
Fortunately, Lena believes that the East Java team did possess this important factor. Christine Tjundawan and the team had easily dominated the game until the end despite a tough first quarter.
The Bali team was unable to overcome the pressure and had to settle for a silver medal.
"We proved that East Java is capable of winning a gold medal after years. The last time East Java bagged a gold medal was in the 1996 PON," Lena stated.
East Java basketball player Christine Tjundawan affirmed that she and her team were not tense during the PON Papua women's basketball final.
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Instead, they walked into the arena with a sense of impatience to start the match. Moreover, they did not get carried away and stayed focused throughout the game.
"We have been looking forward to this moment for a long time. We have sacrificed a lot for PON," Tjundawan affirmed.
She even recalled the humongous sacrifices made by some players in the team in order to prepare for the PON match.
"Some sacrificed college and work, then had to be away from home because we had a year of training. It all finally paid off and was not futile. We were not nervous, and everyone was all out," she remarked.
Papua PON's gold medal achievement improved East Java's record at the PON 2016 during which they had won the bronze medal.
As for Bali, the silver medal became their first win during their participation in PON.
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Translator: Michael S, Kenzu T
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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