Indonesian para-swimmer Januari secured the gold medal in the men’s 200-meter freestyle S5 event at the 2025 ASEAN Para Games in Thailand after clocking two minutes 49.83 seconds.
He finished ahead of Malaysia’s M Nur Syaiful, who took silver with a time of two minutes 50.52 seconds, and Thailand’s Phuchit Aingchaiyap, who secured bronze in two minutes 55.20 seconds.
Januari said his victory, which also a record breaking in the tournament, was made possible by his mother’s prayers and unwavering support.
“Thank God, my mother’s support and prayers are the strongest source of confidence that allowed me to give my best,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
The Pontianak, West Kalimantan native, broke the ASEAN Para Games record of two minutes 51.20 seconds.
The result also marked the fulfillment of Januari’s personal goal, as the Indonesian National Paralympic Committee (NPC) had only asked him to perform at his best without targeting a top finish.
"I was asked to just win a medal and to perform at my best for Indonesia. I was nervous, but I was confident. I finally achieved my personal goal of winning gold. Thank you for the prayers and support of the entire Indonesian nation," he noted.
This victory marked his first gold medal at the ASEAN Para Games. Previously, at the 2023 APG in Cambodia, he won three silver medals—two individual and one in relay events.
For the 2025 ASEAN Para Games, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, along with the Indonesian National Paralympic Committee, has set a target of 82 gold, 77 silver, and 77 bronze medals, aiming for a top-three finish.
As of Thursday, Indonesia is currently in second place with 34 gold, 30 silver, and 24 bronze medals.
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Translator: Michael Siahaan, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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