RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian para-athletics runner Tiwa broke down in tears after clinching gold in the women’s 1,500 meters (T11, T13, T20 classifications) final at the 2025 ASEAN Para Games in Thailand, being held from January 20-26, 2026.

Competing at the 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium in Nakhon Ratchasima on Wednesday night, January 21, 2026, the 29-year-old made a stunning debut by outrunning Thailand’s Orawan Kaising and Prawatto Phaewa, who finished second and third respectively.

“Many people underestimated me, but today I proved myself by winning gold for Indonesia. This is my debut, which makes the medal even more meaningful," Tima said, as quoted by Antara, sobbing with emotion.

Tiwa clocked a winning time of 5 minutes 19.35 seconds. Kaising followed with 5 minutes 26.20 seconds, while Phaewa crossed in 5 minutes 36.58 seconds.

She admitted the victory was hard-earned, the result of relentless training both in the national camp and on her own. “My waist and back are actually in pain, so this win feels even more special,” she added.

Indonesia fielded a total of 56 athletes at the ASEAN Para Games 2025, competing across multiple disciplines including the 100 meters, 1,500 meters, javelin throw, shot put, and wheelchair racing. ***