RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia used the 12th Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in Tianjin, China, from February 6 to 8, 2026, as an early benchmark for its 2026 athletics program, with several athletes posting personal bests against Asia’s top competitors.

Indonesian Athletics Association (PASI) Chairman Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan praised the athletes’ fighting spirit, describing the event as a key evaluation platform ahead of a packed international competition calendar in 2026.

“This championship serves as an early test for our athletes in 2026 to assess their progress following the SEA Games. I appreciate the young athletes who managed to set personal bests on the Asian stage,” Luhut said in a written statement, on Monday, February 9, as quoted by Antara.

On the opening day of competition, women’s shot put athlete Lina Hisage finished sixth with a throw of 12.07 meters, marking a personal best. Sprinter Lalu Muhammad Zohri placed sixth in the men’s 60 meters, clocking 6.69 seconds.

Maulana Ismail finished fifth in Heat 1 of the men’s 400 meters, while Dwiky Firmansyah placed 11th in the men’s high jump final with a clearance of 2.00 meters.

On the second day, Shava Salvia Waranggani recorded a personal best in the women’s 60 meters after finishing fifth in Heat 2 with a time of 7.65 seconds. Brian Bagas Swara placed sixth in Heat 2 of the men’s 60-meter hurdles in 8.30 seconds.

In the women’s 3,000 meters, Odekta Elvina Naibaho finished eighth in 9:58.72, while Wilna Selvi placed 10th with a time of 10:49.55.

On the final day, Yad Hafizuddin finished 10th in the men’s 1,500-meter final with a time of 4:03.79. Vincensia Awutet Amrajam also placed 10th in the women’s long jump final, recording a jump of 5.76 meters.

PASI also expressed appreciation to state-owned mining holding company MIND ID as a strategic partner, citing its role in supporting the sustainability of national athletics development programs.

According to Luhut, Indonesia’s participation in the championships reflects PASI’s commitment to strengthening national competitiveness, expanding international competition exposure, and preparing athletes for upcoming Asian and global events. ***