Solo, Central Java (ANTARA) - Solo City in Central Java is set to become a hub for emerging para-badminton talent as the HYDROPLUS Indonesia Para Badminton International Approaches.

The tournament, scheduled for September 17-22 at the Edutorium of the University of Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), will feature a mix of experienced athletes and promising newcomers.

Deputy Secretary General of the Indonesian National Paralympic Committee (NPC), Rima Ferdianto, stated one of the key highlights of the event will be the opportunity for young Indonesian players to showcase their skills on the international stage.

With several of the country's top athletes still recovering from the Paris Paralympics, the tournament provides a platform for new talent to step up and make their mark.

"This is the time for new Indonesian players to show their abilities and to start regeneration and maintain the opportunities to win," Ferdianto remarked.

Ferdianto, chairing the tournament committee, has forecast that India would be the most formidable opponent for Indonesia, as the South Asian country will send about 60 athletes.

"India is expected to be the toughest opponent because its regeneration (of athletes) process is fast. In some championships, they send new players whose strengths have not been learned," he pointed out.

At least 121 athletes from 10 countries have registered to compete in 22 matches in the championship, both singles or doubles, in the WH 1, WH 2, SL 3, SL 4, SU 5, and SS 6 classes.

HYDROPLUS Group Band Head Yose Moriza stated that the Badminton World Federation (BWF) has upgraded the tournament status to Grade 2 – Level 2.

Moriza expressed hope that the status upgrade of the tournament in the BWF calendar would attract athletes from various parts of the world.

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Translator: Aris W, Kenzu
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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