Head of Indonesian amputee football national team Aditya told ANTARA here Saturday that he felt a difference regarding how he and team mates had to undergo their training in the past compared to now after receiving the government's aid.
He highlighted Garuda INAF's struggle to organize trainings in preparation for the 2022 Amputee Football World Cup's Qualification Round. At the time, the team had limited facilities and got trained on a field with poor condition.
They were more independent during that period and had to use personal transportation to go from one field to another since they used to switch training locations, he noted.
However, Aditya and his team mates can now rest easy and get trained with focus and comfort without being bothered by having to look for usable training fields.
Indonesia's amputee football national team has been undergoing a training at Serena Hills, Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta, since June 27 to prepare for the world cup.
"The supports from the Youth and Sports Ministry, and private companies which have facilitated the training for us have enabled us to focus on training," he said.
In addition, the government also facilitates dormitory for players and coaches, centered at Wisma Duta Wiyata, Lebak Bulus. They also receive vitamin, full meal, transportation, and even round trip flight tickets to Turkey.
Moreover, Aditya and his team mates receive an allowance every month for the team's preparation for the 2022 Amputee Football World Cup.
The full support given to Garuda INAF has made the team optimistic in competing in the world cup, he said after joining a press conference on Garuda INAF's preparation fir the world cup here Saturday.
They are well aware of the fact that they will face difficult opponents that are more experienced with the previous World Cup.
"England will be the most difficult opponent since its team has participated in the world cup for several times, but with our preparation, I am optimistic (in winning) against them," Aditya remarked.
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Translator: Shofi Ayudiana, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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