Desak Made Optimistic to Qualify for the 2026 Asian Games

JAKARTA - Indonesian female cliff climber Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi is optimistic that she can seal one ticket to the 2026 Asian Games, which will take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.

Desak said that he had made various preparations to be able to get tickets to the four-year multi-branch sports party which only involved Asian countries.

"The preparation includes health and physical. Considering my time record has started to improve, I am optimistic that I can qualify for the Asian Games later," said Desak as quoted by Antara.

The 25-year-old athlete from Bali is Indonesia's mainstay in the women's speed event. In this event, he of course faces stiff competition from his fellow countrymen who have time records that are no less good than him.

Desak said that in addition to competing with his compatriots, he was still wary of the potential surprises that could be given by athletes from China, South Korea, and Japan.

"The main enemy is clearly my own friends. Then some countries like China, South Korea, and Japan," he said.

In addition to sending Desak, Indonesia also sent Rajiah Salsabilla, Kadek Asih, and Berdigna Diva to compete in the women's speed event. To secure one ticket, they must enter the top eight in the qualifiers.

Desak and friends will undergo the nearest qualification in the 2026 Asian Championships. The competition, titled the World Climbing Asia Championship, is scheduled to take place in Meishan, China, on April 8-12.

Indonesia sent a total of 16 athletes there. Included in the entourage was the 2024 Paris Olympic gold medalist, Veddriq Leonardo.