RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Aquatics Federation (PB Akuatik Indonesia) has begun preparations for the 2026 Asian Games by organizing national training camps (pelatnas) starting in March. The program is intended to assess athletes’ readiness and strengthen competitiveness at the Asian level.

First Deputy Chairman for Performance Development and Sports Science, Wisnu Wardhana, said the athlete selection process has been ongoing since the 2025 Asian Youth Games, the 2025 Islamic Games, and the 2025 SEA Games.

“We have submitted 18 athletes to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the national training camp, but that number could be reduced,” Wisnu said in Jakarta on Saturday, February 28, 2026, after the closing of the federation’s national working meeting, as quoted by Antara.

The training camp will begin administratively on March 1, with practical sessions starting the following Monday at the Gelora Bung Karno Complex in Senayan, Jakarta.

Of the 18 athletes proposed, several are currently training abroad. Masniari Wolf is undergoing a program in Germany, while Felix Viktor Iberle is training in Penang, Malaysia. Both remain on the national training list and will be monitored regularly.

PB Akuatik Indonesia is also planning international tryouts, with one destination being the United States. “The plan is for June or July, adjusting to the school holidays,” Wisnu said.

For the coaching sector, the federation is retaining Albert Christiadi Sutanto and Arif Purbo Warsono as national coaches. Wisnu stated that the federation has no plans to recruit foreign coaches, as local coaches are considered sufficient.

Facing the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, Wisnu acknowledged the tough competition from China, South Korea, Japan, Kazakhstan, and Singapore.

He noted that positive results at the SEA Games serve as an important foundation. “We hope to challenge for medals, at least bronze, and the long-term target is to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics,” he said.

The 2026 Asian Games will be an important event for Indonesian aquatics to measure athletes’ readiness and build a foundation for achievements at the global level, including qualification for the 2028 Olympics.