Indonesia Moves to Naturalize European Hockey Players Ahead of Asian Games

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is advancing efforts to strengthen its national hockey teams by naturalizing four athletes from Europe, a move aimed at boosting competitiveness at the 2026 Asian Games and beyond.

Secretary-General of the Indonesian Hockey Federation (FHI), Yasser Arafat, confirmed on Thursday, April 24, 2026, that the administrative process is underway.

“The naturalization is in progress. Hopefully, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and other relevant institutions can support this so we can achieve success at the Asian Games,” he said, as quoted by Antara.

The four athletes include two men and two women -- originating from the Netherlands and Germany. While their names have not yet been disclosed, Yasser noted that some of them have experience competing in top-tier Dutch leagues.

“Among these athletes, there are those who have already played at the highest level in the Netherlands,” he explained.

Yasser emphasized that the addition of naturalized players would raise the quality of Indonesia’s squads, particularly against Asia’s traditionally dominant hockey nations.

Their European experience, he said, could enhance the team’s technical skills, tactical awareness, and mental resilience.

“If the athletes can be naturalized quickly, it will further strengthen Indonesia’s national hockey teams at the Asian Games 2026,” he added.

Indonesia’s men’s team has already secured qualification for the Games, while the women’s team is still competing in the ongoing qualification tournament in Jakarta.

Beyond the Asian Games, Yasser revealed that the naturalization effort also aligns with Indonesia’s long-term ambition: participation in the 2028 Olympic Games.

“Our big target is for Indonesian hockey to compete at the upcoming Olympics,” he concluded.

This initiative reflects Indonesia’s broader strategy of combining domestic talent with international experience to accelerate progress in sports where the country seeks to establish a stronger global presence. ***