Sports Minister: Indonesia Targets Four Gold Medals at 2026 Asian Games

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is targeting four gold medals at the 2026 Asian Games as the government steps up preparations for the country's athletes ahead of Asia’s largest multi-sport event.

Minister of Youth and Sports, Erick Thohir, announced the target during a working meeting with the House of Representatives’ Commission X at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on June 2, 2026.

According to a statement published on the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ official website, Erick said the target was adjusted following changes to the competition program for the 2026 Asian Games. He stated that Indonesia has the potential to win four gold medals after three events that previously contributed to its gold-medal haul are not being contested at the 2026 Asian Games.

The events are the 10-meter running target and 10-meter running target mixed shooting competitions, as well as the traditional boat race.

“At the 2022 Asian Games, Indonesia won seven gold medals. The target has now been adjusted because three events are no longer being contested. Under the current circumstances, our target for this year’s Asian Games is four gold medals,” Erick said.

Although the national training camp budget for the 2026 Asian Games has been reduced compared to 2022, Erick emphasized that funding for the Indonesian contingent’s participation remains a priority.

He added that the ministry has coordinated with various sports federations, the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI), and the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) to formulate the best strategy for maintaining Indonesia’s competitiveness at the Asian level.

Erick also expressed hope that support from stakeholders, particularly in terms of funding, would continue to be strengthened to meet the needs of athletes and coaches preparing for international competitions.