Indonesian Climbers Miss Gold by Split Second in Sanya

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian men’s climbing duo Raharjati Nursamsa and Antasyafi Robby Al Hilmi narrowly missed gold at the 2026 Asian Beach Games, claiming silver in the speed relay after a razor‑thin defeat to host nation China in Sanya on Wednesday, April 29.

Competing at the Tianya Haijiao venue, the pair fell narrowly to host nation climbers Jianguo Long and Yicheng Zhao in the big final. Indonesia clocked 9.80 seconds, only 0.05 seconds slower than China’s winning time of 9.75, Antara reported.

The Indonesian team had looked convincing throughout the competition before their narrow defeat in the final. In the semifinals, Raharjati and Robby overcame Kazakhstan’s twin brothers Rashid and Rishat Khaibullin, posting 10.34 seconds against their opponents’ 12.12.

Their strong form was evident from the start, as they topped the qualification round earlier in the day, securing first place heading into the knockout stages.

Elsewhere, Indonesia’s second men’s pair Aditya Tri Syahria and Ramaski Aswin Kristanto exited in the quarterfinals after losing to the Khaibullin brothers, who later claimed bronze in the small final.

Indonesia fielded eight athletes in total -- four men and four women -- in the speed and speed relay disciplines. The women’s squad featured Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi, Kadek Adi Asih, Puja Lestari, and Amanda Narda Mutia.

The speed relay format requires climbers to ascend in sequence, with cumulative time measured from the first start to the final finish. The fastest team overall is declared the winner. ***