Rio Akbar Wins Asia BMX Championship 2018

JAKARTA, May 28 (Antara) - Indonesian racer Rio Akbar emerged as the champion of Asian BMX 2018 in Chai Nat, Thailand, on Sunday. "Yes, Rio Akbar has become an Asian champion," Indonesia's national team manager Budi Saputra confirmed when asked about the news from here. Rio has so far been groomed for Asian Games 2018 scheduled in Jakarta and Palembang on August 18 to September 2. To achieve the gold in the Asian bicycle motocross championship Rio had to compete against three racers from the host - Sitthicok Kaewsrikho, who finally finished second, Nothakon Inkhoksong and Phitchayut Kongson. The third place was taken by Japanese Taichi Ikegami. The West Java racer's success was predictable because he had always been dominant since the qualification round in addition to the performance of the Japanese racer which was not maximal. The success would certainly provide motivation for Rio to meet the Asian Games. "It is hoped the results of the Asian championship would give motivation to athletes to make the best in Asian Games later," Budi said. Indonesia fielded three racers in the championship - Rio Akbar, I Gusti Bagus Saputra and Tony Syarifudin. All of the three were able to match their rivals since the qualification but Tony was unlucky as he fell twice during the race while I Gusti Bagus Saputra was able to reach the final round.