Inp.polri.go.id - Medan. Riau's contingent emerged as the overall champion in artistic gymnastics at the XXII National Sports Week (PON) 2024, held in Aceh and North Sumatra, with a total of six gold medals.

Riau's athletes won 11 medals in total: six gold, three silver, and two bronze across various men’s and women’s categories, according to antaranews.com. 

Their gold medals included a team event and individual victories by Abiyu Raffi, who excelled in all-around, floor exercise, and parallel bars. Agung Suci Tantio Akbar added one gold and one silver to his tally from the vault event, while M Aprizal earned two silver and one bronze, and Puja Sri Syafitri contributed a bronze medal.

Riau surpassed Jakarta and East Java, which won five golds and three silvers, and three golds and four silvers, respectively. The victory exceeded Riau’s initial target of three golds for the event.

Novilia, the Chair of the Indonesian Gymnastics Association (Persani) of Riau, credited the success to consistent training and effort. 

The artistic gymnastics events have been taking place at the Deli Serdang Youth and Sports Complex since 28 August 2024, with 36 athletes from 16 provinces competing for 14 gold medals.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)