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Second Sgt. Hasanah collects Indonesia’s first medal
Maiden medal: Indonesia’s Huswatun Hasanah (right) launches a hook against Thailand’s Seesondee Sudaporn during the women’s lightweight boxing semifinal at the 18th Asian Games at JIExpo Kemayoran, East Jakarta, on Friday
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aiden medal: Indonesia’s Huswatun Hasanah (right) launches a hook against Thailand’s Seesondee Sudaporn during the women’s lightweight boxing semifinal at the 18th Asian Games at JIExpo Kemayoran, East Jakarta, on Friday. (JP/Seto Wardhana)
Huswatun Hasanah, a 20-year-old officer of the Indonesian Military (TNI), has made history at the Asian Games.
She became the first Indonesian to reach the women’s boxing semifinals at the quadrennial event as well as earning a bronze medal, despite losing her semifinal bout on Friday.
In her women’s lightweight fight against Thailand’s Sudaporn Seesonde, Hasanah lost 5-0 to her opponent at JIExpo Kemayoran, Central Jakarta.
Her compatriot Sunan Agung Amoragam also came away with a bronze medal after losing his bantamweight fight against Uzbekistan’s Mirazizbek Mirzakhalilov 5-0.
Two days prior to the closing ceremony, the host country sits in fourth place on the medal tally with 30 golds, 23 silvers and 40 bronzes.
Asian sporting powerhouse China has scooped 117 golds, 83 silvers and 60 bronzes. The country collected 19 golds from swimming and 12 golds from track and field.
Japan is in a distant second place with 68 golds — including 19 from swimming alone — 50 silvers and 70 bronzes.
South Korea trails in third place with 43 golds, 54 silvers and 63 bronzes.
Hasanah had set a target of winning any medal at the event.
“My target was to get a medal. I thank Indonesian supporters for their cheering. I am sorry I only earned a bronze medal,” she said.
“My next focus will be taking part in the [2019] Southeast Asian Games [in the Philippines].”
Hasanah expressed hope that her medal could inspire women to keep on boxing.
“Hopefully, my medal can motivate other female boxers to achieve more,” said the second sergeant, who is currently serving in the Army.
Women’s boxing was first featured in the Asian Games in 2010. Since men’s boxing was introduced in 1954, Indonesia has collected three gold medals, eight silvers and 13 bronzes in the category.
Coach Adi Swandana praised his protege, saying a bronze medal was a good result.
“Her opponent is a more experienced boxer. The key to success in sports is having constant competitions,” he said.
Thailand’s Seesonde was the 2011 SEA Games gold medalist in the women’s lightweight category, and the silver medalist in the same category in 2013. At the 2017 Asian Boxing Championships in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the 26-year-old was ranked fifth.
Brig. Gen. Jeffry Rahawarin of the Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association (Pertina) believed Hasanah’s military background helped her to become a good boxer.
“She has a strong fighting spirit, discipline and good sportsmanship,” he said.
Her achievement would be rewarded by the military, including a chance of promotion, Jeffry said.
“With Hasanah’s result, Indonesian military officers have contributed medals not only in karate and pencak silat, but from boxing as well,” he added.
Similar to Hasanah, Amoragam said a lack of competition experience was the main reason for his defeat.
“He [Mirzakhalilov] was a strong rival and I was outclassed by his experience. My strategy to keep a safe distance from his punches failed after my poor start,” he said.
Indonesia has another medal opportunity in bridge with old hands Henky Lasut and Eddy Manoppo playing in the men’s pair event.
While in Palembang, South Sumatra, the country’s sepak takraw men’s quadrant team has a chance to claim the gold medal after reaching the final on Saturday.
Indonesia defeated Singapore 2-0 (21-8, 21-12) on Friday.
