Rowing Athletes Start Testing the Papua PON Arena

Rowing athletes from a number of provinces have begun to test the rowing competition arena for the XX Papua National Sports Week (PON) located in Youtefa Bay, Jayapura. From Antara's observation, Wednesday (22/9), contingents from West Java and DKI Jakarta began to arrive to practice at the competition arena. Previously, a number of contingents from other regions had already tried out the arena.

The Papuan team also conducted exercises in the arena. The host prepares for four numbers, each of which is the number of women's canoe slalom, women's kayak slalom, men's canoe slalom and men's kayak slalom.

The women's canoe slalom athlete, Farida Thaime, who represents the Papuan team, said she had been doing intensive training two to three times a day ahead of the Papua PON match, which will be held on 27 September-9 October. Having won silver in the Pre-PON Papua, Farida admitted to being wary of the West Java contingent, which won gold in the Pre-PON qualifying event. Even so he did not flinch, and was determined to present a medal.

"As the host the golden target," said Farida.

His team-mate Silas Reyrey, who will compete in the men's canoe slalom event, said equipment was still a problem in training. "My problem was that during Pre-PON, we didn't have a boat yet, so we practiced using racing kayaks and racing canoes," said Silas. "Yesterday, we finished Pre-PON, we just got a boat when we got home. We are still not ready for the boat, it's limited," he continued.

Even so, in line with Farida, Silas, who won bronze in the 2015 Pre-PON, also set a target to become a champion. "You have to be gold. The closer you get to the competition, the more enthusiastic you are. Closer to the competition you have to be excited to show your best," said Silas.

SOURCE: https://republika.co.id/berita/qzu2gj348/atlet-dayung-mulai-tes-arena-pon-papua