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Indonesian MMA athletes grateful for 2020 despite pandemic
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Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol (JP/Courtesy of ONE Championship)
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span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">ONE Championship athletes Eko Roni Saputra and Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol are two of the fastest rising Indonesian stars in martial arts. They are moving up the ranks among Asia’s best talents, and both have set lofty goals for themselves in the new year.
But before 2020 comes to an end, Eko and Priscilla look back at what has been a peculiar 12 months and reflect on some key moments and lessons drawn from their unique experiences.
“I’ve learned to be grateful in 2020. During COVID-19, there were many restrictions, and I wasn’t able to get my usual training. I also wasn’t able to visit home and be with my family. I’ve had to keep my spirits high despite it all and focus on moving on,” Eko, who used to be Indonesia’s top wrestler, said.
“Like everyone else, I am looking forward to COVID-19 ending in 2021, or as soon as possible, so that I can go home to my extended family in Indonesia. I really miss them a lot. I also plan to compete more in 2021, so I can move up the rankings.”
Eko and his family currently live in Singapore.
Priscilla says the pandemic has taught her one key lesson as the single most significant achievement in her life in 2020.
“One of the biggest lessons I learned this year was to always take care of my health. This pandemic taught me to be a healthier person, so I won’t get exposed to this virus. Of course, the biggest achievement for me this year has been getting married. That’s a great memory in the midst of a tough year,” said Priscilla
“I really hope 2021 is a better year full of blessings and new adventures. May everyone’s dreams come true and all of our hopes be fulfilled.”
Both athletes are going through a period of success at the moment in their respective careers.
Eko has won his last four bouts in epic fashion, finishing all of his foes inside the distance with crafty submissions. The Indonesian wrestling champion has showcased his prowess inside the circle to great effect, and it has certainly captured the imagination of his fans.
Priscilla, on the other hand, has won four of her last six bouts and is considered one of the top women’s atomweight fighters.
Looking ahead to what they both expect to be a much better year, both Eko and Priscilla have grand plans on taking their careers to the next level.
“This year, my biggest achievement was winning three straight fights in the ONE Championship. It certainly wasn’t easy. It was a lot of hard work. Thankfully, I had my teammates at Evolve MMA. I am grateful for them,” Eko recalled.
Priscilla, similarly, is looking to put the time and effort back into developing her skills in order to compete with the top fighters in her division.
“I’m looking forward to more success next year. It certainly hasn’t been easy, but I know I can be successful if I put in the hard work. So far, I am very happy, because many people around me give me support, said the former wushu champion.
