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SEA Games: Indonesian water polo earns first gold, ends Singapore's domination
It was the first ever gold for the Indonesian men's water polo team at the SEA Games. Indonesia made its debut in the sport in 1965.
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Indonesian water polo men’s team player Ridjkie Mulia (left) gets ready to make a move during a match against Malaysia during the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games at New Clark City Aquatics Center in Tarlac, Philippines, on Friday. Indonesia won 14-7. (Antara/Humaira)
T
he Indonesian men’s water polo team won the first gold medal for the country at the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games on Friday evening after earning the most points on the leaderboard, even before the biennial event officially began.
It was the first ever gold for the men's water polo team at the SEA Games. Indonesia made its debut in the sport in 1965.
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo congratulated the team for the victory through Instagram. “Good news from the Philippines: Indonesia’s first gold in the 30th SEA Games came from the men’s team. This is the first gold ever for the team in the SEA Games.
“Indonesia stopped Singapore’s domination, which had 27 consecutive victories […],” said the President in his post on Saturday.
Indonesia reached the top of the leaderboard after collecting seven points.
The team defeated Malaysia 14-7, Thailand 17-12 and 27-time SEA Games gold medalist Singapore 7-5, with a 6-6 draw against the Philippines in competitions held at New Clark City Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac from Tuesday to Friday.
On its official Instagram account, @indonesiawaterpolo, Indonesia announced the victory:
“WE DID IT!! GOLD MEDAL!! Thank you for your endless support!” said the team in a post.
The Youth and Sports Ministry also congratulated the squad via its Instagram account, @kemenpora.
“History! The first gold for the Indonesian water polo team and the first gold for Indonesia at the 2019 SEA Games!” posted the account, adding that it took 28 editions of the SEA Games and a great coach, Serbian Milos Sakovic, for Indonesia to reach this level.
The Games will officially open on Saturday evening.
