President Jokowi Congratulates Saptoyogo Purnomo for Indonesia’s First Silver Medal at Paris Paralympic

Silver medalist Saptoyogo Purnomo (Photo: NPC Indonesia)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has congratulated Indonesian para-athletics athlete Saptoyogo Purnomo on clenching the country’s first medal in the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.

“Congratulations to Saptoyogo Purnomo on his wonderful victory in the 2024 Paralympic Games,” the President said on his X account @jokowi, Sunday (09/01).

Saptoyogo, who participated in the men’s T37 100-meter event, secured the silver medal in the final round in 11.26 seconds on Saturday (08/31) at Stade de France in Paris.

The gold medal went to Brazilian athlete Ricardo Gomes de Mendonça with a record of 11.07 seconds, differing by only 0.19 seconds, while the bronze was claimed by neutral athlete Andrei Vdovin.

Saptoyogo previously broke the Asian record at the 2022 Asian Para Games, taking the gold medal home with 11.28 seconds.

“The silver medal was achieved with a record of 11.26 seconds, enhancing Indonesia’s reputation. He broke another Asian record,” President Jokowi said.

Following the victory, Saptoyogo expressed his happiness for the win.  “I was feeling down because I faced new opponents and I had no idea of their best records, but I was determined to deliver,” he said following the game.

The silver medal, Saptoyogo said, is a present for his expecting wife. “To my dear wife, thank you for supporting me and keeping me motivated. I hope this is not my last medal. I must continue to win medals,” he remarked. (PR of Ministry of Youth and Sports/UN) (DH/EP)