Indonesian Climbers Credit Government Support Following Golden Run in Europe

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Fresh off their golden triumphs in Krakow and Chamonix, Indonesian climbers Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi and Veddriq Leonardo expressed gratitude to the government for its continued backing of national sports development.

Both athletes highlighted the role of President Prabowo Subianto and Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir in supporting training programs that paved the way for their success.

Speaking upon arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, on Tuesday afternoon, July 14, 2026, Desak emphasized how government support has motivated her and fellow athletes to excel.

“Thank you to President Prabowo and the Minister of Youth and Sports for consistently supporting us through training camps and try-outs, so we can achieve success in other championships,” she said, as quoted by Antara.

Veddriq echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the president’s commitment to advancing Indonesian sports.

“I also want to thank President Prabowo for his dedication to supporting Indonesian sports. Hopefully, our achievements will help push the nation’s sporting progress even further,” he remarked.

Indonesia’s climbing team recently secured double gold in the individual speed events at the World Climbing Series in Chamonix, France, on Sunday, July 12, along with a silver medal in the men’s speed category.

Desak clinched gold in the women’s speed event, while Veddriq topped the men’s speed final against compatriot Antasyafi Robby Al Hilmi, who took silver.

For Desak, the Chamonix victory marked her first gold at the series, adding to her triumph in Krakow the previous week. She defeated Italy’s Giulia Randi in the final, clocking 6.22 seconds against Randi’s 6.51.

In the men’s speed final, Veddriq outpaced Robby with a time of 4.89 seconds, while Robby finished at 5.11. Japan’s Ryo Omasa claimed bronze after edging China’s Yicheng Zhao in a razor-thin finish, 4.701 to 4.704 seconds.

Veddriq described his win as deeply meaningful, noting it was his first gold since the Olympics.

“I feel very grateful. This is my first gold medal after the Olympics, and the wait has been long. Thank you to the Indonesian people and the team for their support," he said. ***