:
Oleh Siti Chodijah, Sabtu, 6 Agustus 2022 | 17:43 WIB - Redaktur: Siti Chodijah - 108
PRESS RELEASE
Number: 75/08/ASEANPARAGAMES/2022
Solo – The 2022 ASEAN Para games Solo is likely to be the last stage for badminton fans to see Ukun Rukaendi's agility swinging a racket in the singles category.
Ukun has hinted that he will retire after competing in the 2022 ASEAN Para games Solo. After winning two golds in this event, Ukun believes that it is now the time to give young players in the singles category a chance.
Ukun Rukaendi excelled throughout the competition, which took place at the Muhammadiyah University Surakarta Edutorium. Ukun Rukaendi (SU5) and Hafizh Briliansyah Prawiranegara (SL3) competed once in the men's doubles during the men's team match on Sunday, 31 July.
With scores of 21-5 and 21-13, this top Indonesian pair also defeated Bui Minh Hai (SU5) and Nguyen Van Thuong (SL4) in straight sets.
Ukun Rukaendi excels not only in the men's doubles but also in the men's singles. Ukun defeated Maman Nurjaman in the all-Indonesian final on Friday, 5 August with scores of 21-19 and 21-10 to win the second gold medal.
In the men's doubles SL3-SL4, Ukun Rukaendi had the chance to add a gold medal to his collection. Ukun and his partner Susanto, however, were defeated by Dwiyoko and Fredy Setiawan from national training center (Pelatnas) after a tough battle that lasted three sets and ended with scores of 21-14, 15-21, and 21-10.
"For a single category multiple events, I think this is my last match. In addition to age, I'm certain that a new generation, including Maman Nurjaman, has already emerged for this sport. I am currently concentrating on one number because it is difficult to play two numbers at this age, said Ukun on Friday, 5 August during his break at the UMS Edutorium.
The man, who was born on January 15, 1970, made sure to thank the Indonesian government for hosting the 2022 APG even though there was a pandemic going on and preparation time was limited.
After the 2019 and 2021 ASEAN Para Games in the Philippines and Vietnam were postponed, the 2022 event was held in Solo. Ukun is thankful that he can now make the country proud after waiting five years without playing in an official match.
"We usually practice during pandemics, but there were no games. We appreciate President Joko Widodo, for organizing this sports event despite the short preparation," Ukun stated.
A total of 30 medals, including 13 gold, 9 silver, and 8 bronze, were won by the Indonesian team at the Para-badminton 2022 ASEAN Para games Solo, demonstrating their exceptional performance. As an athlete with a disability, Ukun Rukaendi stressed the important role that motivation plays in the Red and White team's success.
"First of all, since we are athletes with disabilities, having this motivation is our best chance to prove ourselves. Playing in Indonesia as the host also has a major influence," said an athlete who is also a civil servant from the Tasikmalaya Regency Tourism, Youth, and Sports Office.
Contact person:
Suhud I +62856-3555-117
Isnan I +62815-6756-969