Solid coordination, or more precisely, strong chemistry between twin sepak takraw athletes Lena and Leni will be a strong point for the West Java contingent at the Papua sports week, the team's manager has said.
"It can be considered so (good chemistry) since Lena and Leni are family," team manager Yusuf Jamaludin told ANTARA at the Trikora Sports Center, Cenderawasih University, Jayapura city, Papua on Friday.
The siblings were born in Indramayu district, West Java on June 7, 1989, with Lena 30 minutes older than Leni. While Leni plays the position of the server or ‘tekong’, Lena serves as the attacker, Jamaludin said.
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The strong chemistry between the 2008 East Kalimantan PON gold medal winners can be seen from their gestures throughout their game, he added.
"They do not need any verbal communication when they are in the arena. Only with gestures, they manage to understand each other already," he remarked.
Lena said their "exceptional psychological connection" is a special advantage compared to other sepak takraw athletes.
"I can tell when Leni is feeling down in the midst of the game. Usually, I immediately encourage her with a pat or a hug. I also have to try harder to get the ball she passes," she explained.
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The twins’ teammate, Astri Khairunisa, said the chemistry between the two athletes is a plus.
"They are inseparable. If they play together, our strength can be 100 percent. However, if one of them is substituted, I assure that the team strength cannot reach 100 percent," she remarked.
"Lina and Leni can easily guess and understand what their twin will say thanks to their sibling bond. Sometimes, in critical situations, they can comprehend the code expressed by their twin’s glance," she added.
The twins' achievements include a silver medal at the 2012 Riau PON, two bronze medals at the 2014 Asian Games, and three gold medals at the 2016 West Java PON.
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Pewarta: KR-UY
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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