National Games ends in triumph for Jakarta

Bursts of fireworks in the skies over Pekanbaru, Riau, and a congratulatory statement from Vice President Boediono for all provinces’ athletes, marked the end of 18th National Games on Thursday.

Boediono thanked the games committee for the event's success.

“I'd like to thank all the committee for the event's success,” Boediono said in his closing speech at the Pekanbaru Main Stadium in Riau, accompanied by Riau governor Rusli Zainal and Youth and Sports Minister Andi Mallarangeng, as quoted by Antara news agency.

“I would also like to thank all citizens of Riau for their hospitality and enthusiasm in supporting the event. For the athletes who have yet to get a medal, don't lose hope and keep fighting,” he added.

Jakarta achieved their target to stay top with 109 gold, 101 silver and 112 bronze, followed by West Java with 99-79-101. East Java came third with 86-86-84.

Meanwhile, hosting province Riau gathered 43 gold, 39 silvers and 51 bronzes, sixth in the final medal table

The games also saw some record-breaking, with West Java women's weightlifter Lilis Idaningsih breaking the Asian record in the 84-kilogram category with a total of 637-kilogram lifts, beating the previous score by China's Chang Yawen of 625-kilograms.

East Java hurdler Eddy Zakaria managed to surpass the SEA Games record in the 110-meter hurdles with 13.7 seconds, ousting Thailand's Jamras Rittidet.

Meanwhile, National Sports Committee head Tono Suratman handed the games' flag to West Java governor Ahmad Heryawan, anointing the province as the next host of the games in 2016. (fzm/swd)