Deli Serdang, North Sumatra (ANTARA) - Adam Yazid Ferdiansyah, an active military officer representing West Java Province as a taekwondo athlete at the 2024 Aceh-North Sumatra National Sports Week (PON), won his third gold medal in his third consecutive PON appearance.

"Thank God, the 21st PON is my third PON. Praise be to God, I have clinched a gold medal in each of my PON appearance," he remarked in Deli Serdang District, North Sumatra, on Sunday.

At PON XXI, Adam presented a gold medal to his home province after beating East Kalimantan's representative Benaya Rafael Warkey in the final match of the men's -68-kilogram Kyorugi event in the Martial Arts Arena of the Sumut Sports Center, Deli Serdang, on Saturday.

"I am proud of successfully striking this gold medal for West Java. This feat proves that Indonesian soldiers can excel in sports in addition to wielding the capacity to protect the country's sovereignty," he said.

Adam's victory in this year's PON expanded his collection of gold medals. He had previously emerged as a taekwondo champion at the 19th PON in West Java and the 20th PON in Papua.

The gold medalist attributed his triumph to the intensive and hardcore training he had to undergo for nearly one year.

"I had to engage in up to three hardcore training sessions every day," he pointed out.

He then expressed hope that he would be able to present Indonesia with gold medals at the SEA Games and Olympics.

"My next target is the upcoming (2025) SEA Games. I am determined to clinch a gold medal," he emphasized.

Based on PON's official website, as of 2:59 p.m. Western Indonesia Standard Time, the West Java contingent ranked second in the PON medal standings, with a collection of 87 gold, 85 silver, and 89 bronze medals, trailing behind Team Jakarta at the top spot.

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Translator: Muhammad H, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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