Indonesia Wins Gold Medal At Asian Dragon Boat Championship

Kendari, SE Sulawesi, May 30 (Antara) - The Indonesian team has successfully clinched a gold medal in the 22-men, 200-meter event at the Asian Dragon Boat Championship held in China.

The team achieved success after beating its strongest rival Thailand, national coach Herman Harun stated on the phone from China here on Friday.

The Thai team won a silver medal, while the bronze medal went to the host team as they finished third.

The Indonesian rowers led by Sofianto got to the finish line in 0.45.109 seconds, followed by the Thai rowers clocking 0.45.299 seconds, and the Chinese rowers completing the race in 0.45.303 seconds.

The success of the Indonesian men`s team was however not replicated by the women`s team who only managed to finish fourth.

"All the athletes and officials are calling for further support and prayers so that they can win other races," Herman remarked.

The Indonesian teams are scheduled to race in the 500-meter men`s and women`s events on Saturday.

The teams led by Mariner Brigadier General Yong Mardinal still have four more events to compete.

The four men`s and women`s events are the 500-meter, 10-rowers and the 500-meter, 22-rowers races.

"We believe we will not become mere spectators in the 500-meter events but will win gold medals," Herman reiterated.

Indonesia has also considered the championship as a strategic event with regard to preparations for the Asian Games to be held in December, this year.

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Reporting by Sarjono