JAKARTA, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chess players of Indonesia are optimistic to defend their top position at the 9th ASEAN Para Games, while its table tennis team is upbeat over the first place target, officials said on Friday.
The Indonesian chess team has secured the top position in the regional sports event since 2011, team manager Heri Isranto was quoted by Antara as saying in Kuala Lumpur.
"Our ambition is to keep securing the first place which has been achieved since ASEAN Para Games 2011. We are optimistic to defend it in Malaysia," he said.
To achieve the target, coach Teddy Wiharto said the Indonesian players have to secure at least 12 gold medals, and the Filipino players are considered to be their toughest opponents.
Indonesia sends 16 players, 9 men and 7 women, to compete in the chess tournament at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Center from Sept. 18 to 22, said Wiharto.
On table tennis, Indonesia hopes to go up from its previous runner-up position to the first place, coach Rima Ferdianto was quoted by the media as saying in Kuala Lumpur.
"We will strive to achieve the top position," Rima said, adding Indonesia has to secure at least 12 gold medals in order to achieve the target.
