The Passion of Young Athletes
For young athletes, debuting at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games is a dream come true. They nurture their optimism and set their eyes on gold amid the 2019 SEA Games’ chaotic management.
Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee Raja Sapta Oktohari (sixth left) accompanied by chairman of the Indonesian contingent Harry Citizens (third left) and the men\'s water polo national team players hold a celebration at the New Clark City Aquatic Center, the Philippines (29/11/2019). Indonesia won the first gold medal of the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games after beating Malaysia 14-7 and Singapore played a 6-6 draw against the Philippines.
MANILA, KOMPAS – Indonesia’s first gold from men’s water polo at the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines has boosted the spirit of the country’s athletes, especially the young ones, to aim higher. The first gold from men’s water polo since Indonesia first participated in the SEA Games in 1977 serves as a capstone in the achievement of the “Red and White” contingent, half of which are junior athletes.
The men’s water polo gold was a new milestone for Indonesia. Under Serbian coach Milos Sakovic, Indonesia’s male water polo athletes ended Singapore’s domination after its 27 consecutive golds from 1965 to 2017.