Teen Climber Alma Targets Asian Games Debut via China Qualifier

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian rising sport climbing prospect Alma Ariella Tsany faces a defining test this week as she competes in China, aiming to secure her first-ever berth at the Asian Games through a high-stakes continental championship.

She said she is optimistic about securing a spot at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, this September, as she competes in the World Climbing Asia Championship Meisan 2026 in China from April 7-12, which serves as a qualification event.

For the 16-year-old athlete, the Meisan tournament represents a crucial opportunity to claim an Asian Games ticket for the first time in her professional career. “To qualify for the Asian Games, I have to reach the final round or finish at least in the top six,” Alma said from Jakarta on Monday, April 6, as quoted by Antara.

The East Java-born climber acknowledged the intense competition in the lead discipline, particularly against strong contenders from Japan, South Korea, and host nation China, all known for their strong climbing traditions.

She added that to face the challenge, she has increased route training with varied movements to improve adaptability and route-reading ability during competition. “I do feel a bit insecure, but this is my first experience, especially in competing for a ticket to the Asian Games this year,” said the July 25, 2009, born athlete.

Despite her nerves, Alma said she remains focused on following her coach’s training program until competition day, while family support continues to serve as additional motivation in pursuing her dream of competing on Asia’s biggest sporting stage.

Currently, Indonesian team officials and athletes have been in Meisan, China, since Monday morning, April 6. According to the schedule, the Indonesian lead team will begin competing on Tuesday, April 7.

The Indonesian Sport Climbing Association (FPTI) has sent a total of 16 athletes to compete in the World Climbing Asia Championship Meisan 2026, held from April 7-12 in China. The tournament serves as a qualification event for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in September.

To secure qualification, athletes in both lead and boulder disciplines, men’s and women’s, must finish at least in the top six by the end of the tournament.

Meanwhile, three Indonesian athletes have already secured their spots at the 2026 Asian Games: Putra Tri Ramadani (men’s lead), Sukma Lintang Cahyani (women’s lead), and Ravianto Ramadhan (men’s boulder).

Lead team roster:

Men:

Musauwir

Mahesa Caesar

Muhammad Ramzi Firmansyah

Muhammad Rizky Syahrafli

Raviandi Ramadhan (also competing in boulder, the only athlete competing in two disciplines)

Women:

Nur Diatul Jannah

Alma Ariella Tsany ***