PON: Olympian Zohri wins gold for NTB in 200m sprint

Lalu Muhammad Zohri, a renowned sprinter from West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), has won gold in the men’s 200-meter sprint at the 2024 Aceh-North Sumatra National Sports Week (PON).

Key Highlights:

• Race Results: Zohri clinched the gold medal with a time of 20.86 seconds at the Sumut Sports Center in Deli Serdang, North Sumatra, on Friday.
• Competitors: He surpassed Izrak Udjulu from Gorontalo, who took silver with a time of 21.23 seconds, and Bayu Kertanegara from Jakarta, who won bronze with a time of 21.28 seconds.
• Previous Achievements: Zohri, who has represented Indonesia in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and 2024 Paris Olympics, also dominated the men’s 100-meter and 200-meter events at the 20th PON in Papua.
• Challenges: Despite struggling with a leg muscle issue, Zohri expressed relief and gratitude for securing the gold, acknowledging the tough competition and dedication of all athletes.
• Future Goals: Zohri encouraged young athletes from NTB to intensify their training and hinted at aiming for even more achievements in future competitions. He expressed a desire to achieve a sub-10-second time in his sprints.

Additional Notes:

• Encouragement to Young Athletes: Zohri’s success and perseverance serve as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, particularly in his home province.
• Looking Ahead: He is optimistic about competing in future National Sports Weeks, which will be co-hosted by NTB and East Nusa Tenggara.

This gold medal underscores Zohri’s continuing prominence in Indonesian athletics and his commitment to excellence in the sport.

Lalu Muhammad Zohri, an Olympian from West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), has achieved a significant victory by winning the gold medal in the men’s 200-meter sprint at the 2024 Aceh-North Sumatra National Sports Week (PON).

Event Details:

• Race: Men’s 200-meter sprint
• Location: Sumut Sports Center, Deli Serdang, North Sumatra
• Date: Friday
• Winning Time: 20.86 seconds

Medal Standings:

• Gold: Lalu Muhammad Zohri (NTB) – 20.86 seconds
• Silver: Izrak Udjulu (Gorontalo) – 21.23 seconds
• Bronze: Bayu Kertanegara (Jakarta) – 21.28 seconds

Notable Achievements:

• Olympic Participation: Zohri has competed in both the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
• Previous Success: At the 20th PON in Papua, Zohri won gold medals in both the 100-meter and 200-meter sprints.

Comments from Zohri:

• On His Performance: Despite dealing with a leg muscle issue, Zohri expressed relief and satisfaction at winning the gold medal. He acknowledged the competitive spirit of his fellow athletes.
• Future Goals: Zohri aims to continue improving his performance, with a long-term goal of achieving a time of under 10 seconds in his sprints. He is also looking forward to the next PON, which will be hosted by NTB and East Nusa Tenggara.

Encouragement for Young Athletes:

Zohri encouraged aspiring athletes, particularly from NTB, to step up their training and strive for excellence in future competitions. His success serves as an inspiration and a motivational force for the next generation of sprinters.

This victory highlights Zohri’s continued dominance in Indonesian sprinting and his unwavering commitment to his sport.