Five Indonesian archers who have lost an arm or a leg train together under the bright central Javan sun, drawing their bows and closing one eye to shoot at targets as they prepare for the Paris Paralympics from Aug 28 to Sept 8.
The "magnificent five" are the first archers from the country to ever qualify for the Paralympics, and they are now training their sights on medals.
"It is history. Simply amazing," Ken Swagumilang, who had his leg amputated due to bone cancer and qualified for the compound men's standing competition, said in Surakarta.
The group of archers, including Kholidin and Setiawan, who go by one name, Teodora Audi Ayudia and Wahyu Retno Wulandari are aiming to carve out their own legacy with family and government support.
The five men and women - in both standing and wheelchair categories will compete in the recurve and compound archery disciplines.
"It's not just one or two athletes, it's five, imagine. It's the first time, and five athletes will compete," added Swagumilang.
This story is from the August 23, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 23, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
UNICAJA INTO THE UNKNOWN
European basketball champs eye Fiba title but wary of unfamiliar rivals in Singapore
Rodriguez's first has Argentina flailing
Colombia avenged their Copa America final defeat with a 2-1 victory over Argentina on Sept 10, while Brazil crashed to a 1-0 loss to Paraguay in South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Nagelsmann pleased with Germany's 'belief' in draw
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann preferred to look at the positives after his side conceded their earliest goal in 50 years, but fought back to lead at half-time before drawing 2-2 away to the Netherlands on Sept 10.
CENTURION KANE DRIVEN BY DOUBTERS
England captain puts away criticism, hurt to strike back with brace on 100th appearance
Pressure mounts on China and Australia's coaches
China coach Branko Ivankovic was under pressure on Sept 11 to quit after less than seven months in the job, with the team's hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup in danger.
FORGET PRESSURE, PLAY WITH SWAGGER
Son says S. Korea have improved with win in Oman, urges team to retain confidence
White House pulled into doping case
The fight between the United States and the world's antidoping regulator over the handling of positive tests by elite Chinese swimmers has escalated in recent weeks and drawn in a powerful new player - the Joe Biden White House.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS AT SOLHEIM CUP: KORDA
American world No. I has yet to win in the three editions of the event she has played in
Curry eyes stake in NBA expansion franchise
Golden State Warriors superstar guard Stephen Curry had just two words when asked if he was interested in buying a National Basketball Association (NBA) expansion team: \"For sure\".
From being the butt of the jokes to top of the world
SYDNEY Australian Olympic breakdancer \"Raygun\" has been ridiculed and written off, but the sport's governing body confirmed on Sept 11 that she has now been crowned No.1 in the world.
