Central Java’s runner Slamet Wahyu Jati broke the national record for the men’s 1500 meters T11-13 at the XVI National Paralympic Week (Peparnas) in Papua.

At the competition, held at the Lukas Enembe Stadium,  here on Wednesday, Jati successfully clinched gold, with a record time of four minutes, 36.35 seconds.

Jati broke the earlier national record of four minutes and 51.93 seconds set by South Sumatran athlete Agustinus Tinabila during the XV West Java Peparnas in 2016.

“Alhamdulillah (thank god), my hard work paid off. Thanks to the support of my parents and coach,” Jati stated after receiving the medal.

At the competition, Jati’s opponent from North Sumatra, Pamelius Giawa, finished second, with a time of four minutes and 38.12 seconds and won the silver medal.

Meanwhile, the bronze medal was secured by the Papuan athlete Agus Mabel, who recorded a time of four minutes and 38.30 seconds.

Earlier, Jati also won gold and broke the national record for the men’s 400 meters T12 event on Monday by clocking a time of 51.57 seconds.

He successfully broke the previous national record of 55.87 seconds made by South Sulawesi’s Iwan Susanto during the XV West Java Peparnas in 2016.

The 26-year-old athlete affirmed that his key to winning is practising hard and remaining calm and motivated during the match.

The athlete spoke of currently targeting to pocket another gold in the 800 meters race.

The XVI Papua Peparnas is being held in two clusters: Jayapura City and Jayapura. At least 1,985 athletes from all provinces, except for West Sulawesi, are participating in the event featuring 12 sports: powerlifting, athletics, boccia, badminton, chess, judo, shooting, archery, swimming, cerebral palsy football, wheelchair court tennis, and table tennis.

Vice President Ma’ruf Amin officially opened the XVI National Paralympic Week (Peparnas) at the Mandala Stadium in Jayapura City on November 5, 2021.

Source: Antara News