Forgetting the Title of Best Young Player in League 1, Rio Fahmi Focuses on the U-22 National Team

– Ilham Rio Fahmi emphasized that he had forgotten the title of Best Young Player in League 1 which he won and is now focused on defending the U-22 National Team which will compete in the 2023 SEA Games.

The Persija Jakarta right-back was selected as the Best Player in the 2022/2023 Liga 1 season and introduced his club to the runner-up position under PSM Makassar. In the League 1 competition which just ended, Rio Fahmi played in 30 matches and conceded 1 goal and two assists.

“I have forgotten about yesterday’s award because it has passed. In the future I will focus on helping the national team, God willing, we can achieve what is targeted by the government,” Rio said after undergoing a routine at Gelora Bung Karno Training Ground, Jakarta, Monday (24/4/ 2023).

The 21-year-old player also said that the preparations made by him and his teammates ahead of the SEA Games were running smoothly. According to Rio, he quite understands what coach Indra Sjafri instructed him to do.

“For the days approaching departure to Cambodia, the coach slightly improved his physical condition and was more tactical,” said the player from Banjarnegara, Central Java.

In the U-22 national team this time, Rio will compete to fill a slot in the right-back position with Barito Putera Bagas Kaffa. But he considers the competition as a healthy thing for the good of the team.

“Incidentally, Fajar Fathurrahman was installed on the right wing. So at right back, Bagas and I are, but we all support each other to produce the best for Indonesia.

The U-22 national team made maximum preparations ahead of the SEA Games, including forbidding players from taking Idul Fitri holidays because they were going to Cambodia on Tuesday (25/4). All U-22 national team players remain in Jakarta, and instead their families and relatives are allowed to visit them on this Muslim holiday.

It’s a shame that Rio could not feel this, who this time was forced to celebrate Eid far from the warmth of his family, because this time his family was unable to come to Jakarta.

“Incidentally, it’s a bit complicated, because I’m from Banjarnegara, my family is also in Banjarnegara. I’ve celebrated Eid al-Fitr twice without my family, maybe I’m a bit used to it. So the family just stays at home, no one comes here,” said Rio adding .

The U-22 national team will start their appearance at the SEA Games in Cambodia by meeting the Philippines on April 29. After that, in the group phase, they will face Myanmar on May 4, Timor Leste on May 7, and host Cambodia on May 10.