JAKARTA - The climbing branch (cabor) has set a target of getting two gold medals from the 2026 Asian Games multi-branch sports event which will take place in Japan from September to October.
The manager of the Indonesian Bouldering Team, Aries Susanti Rahayu, said that the two gold medals that were targeted were from the speed and lead numbers and there were still additional opportunities from other numbers.
"I ask for the prayers and support of all Indonesian people so that our athletes can give their best," said Aries on the sidelines of Chef de Mission (CdM) Todotua Pasaribu's visit to the national training center (pelatnas) of rock climbing.
Todotua Pasaribu continued his visit to the sports by visiting the rock climbing national team as part of efforts to ensure the readiness of the Indonesian Contingent in terms of non-technical aspects ahead of departure to Japan.
Todotua said that this visit was a forum for direct dialogue with the club management, athletes, and official teams to identify various needs that can be facilitated by his team.
"We want to ensure that all non-technical aspects can be prepared well. Starting from departure, accommodation, transportation, to the special needs of each branch of sport so that athletes can focus on competing and performing optimally," he said.
The winner of the 2024 Paris Olympic gold medal, Veddriq Leonardo, welcomed Todotua's visit to the rock climbing national team. Veddriq is one of the favorites to win a gold medal in the Land of the Rising Sun.
He said that the attention given would be a motivational injection for all athletes who are undergoing preparations to face the four-year-old Asian event.
"His presence is one form of support for the national team and adds to our spirit to give the best performance for Indonesia," said Veddriq.
Athletes who will compete in the speed event admit that the competition at the 2026 Asian Games will be much tighter. This is because, in addition to China, Kazakhstan, Iran, and Japan, Thailand is now also one of the forces to be reckoned with at the Asian level.
He said that the different match system because all athletes start from the qualifying phase is also one of the challenges. However, he is still optimistic that Indonesia's chances of getting on the podium are still wide open.
"Indonesia is still in the podium zone. It's just how mentally prepared we are on match day. In terms of ability, we are quite even, now it's just a matter of proving it on the arena," he said.
The 2026 Asian Games are scheduled to take place from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi and Nagoya. Indonesia will send approximately 420 athletes with the target of getting four gold medals.
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