Saptoyogo Contributes First Gold in the 2022 Asian Para Games

Saptoyogo Purnomo managed to finish fastest in the men's 400 m T37 category at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Para Games on Monday (10/23). Saptoyogo's victory also contributed to the first gold medal won by the Indonesian contingent.

Saptoyogo touched the leading finish line with a time of 54.80 seconds while racing at the Huangling Sports Center Stadium.

Apisit Taprom from Thailand followed Saptoyogo with a time of 56.63 to win the silver medal, and Saudi Arabian runner Thamer Ahmed Alzahrani won bronze with a time of 57.55 seconds.

Saptoyogo's success in winning the T37 400-meter gold medal was a surprise. This is because the athlete, who is usually called Yogo, has been relied on to win gold in his specialist men's 100 m and 200 m T37 events.

However, thanks to his persistent struggle for a gold medal for Indonesia, Yogo actually performed extraordinary in the 400 m event.

"Yogo's success in winning the gold medal in the 400-meter dash paved the way for Indonesia's gold medal after previously Suparni, who we expected to win gold in the shot put, was only able to win silver. "This is the gold medal we have been waiting for," said Rima Ferdianto, Deputy Secretary General of NPC Indonesia, citing the official website of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

"Initially, we targeted Yogo to win a gold medal in his flagship events of 100 and 200 meters. "However, during the competition, Yogo appeared never to give up, so he was able to maintain consistent running speed both on the straight track and in the corners," said Rima.

Next, Yogo will prepare to compete in the men's 100 and 200 meter events, which will be contested on Tuesday.

The 2022 Hangzhou Asian Para Games officially opened on Sunday (10/22) evening at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium, Hangzhou, China. Indonesia is sending 130 athletes to the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Para Games who will compete in 12 sports.

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