RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia is bolstering its taekwondo program by recruiting Iranian coach Erfan Heydaari to lead kyorugi athletes in preparation for the Asian Taekwondo Indonesia Open 2026 and the Asian Games in Aichi‑Nagoya.

Heydaari, a former member of Iran’s national team from 2017 to 2021, brings international experience as a silver medalist at the 2018 Asian Senior Championships and bronze medalist at both the Asian Club Championships and the Asian President’s Cup in 2019.

Indonesian Taekwondo Federation (PBTI) Secretary General Rafael Siagian explained the reason behind the decision.

"Chairman Lt. Gen. Richard Tampubolon has a big mission for Indonesian taekwondo. After studying the global landscape, we saw Iran’s rapid progress and entrusted kyorugi training to Heydaari," Rafael said, as quoted by Antara.

Currently, 31 athletes are undergoing centralized training at GOR POPKI Cibubur, East Jakarta--20 in kyorugi and 11 in poomsae--selected from the Ksatria Nusantara Series held across Lampung, Surabaya, Bandung, Bali, and Kediri.

Heydaari noted preparations have been underway since February as part of Indonesia’s long‑term roadmap toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. “Our first targets are the Asian Games and the Asian Taekwondo Indonesia Open Championships,” he said.

Athletes have welcomed his guidance. Kyorugi fighter Muhammad Bassam Raihan said Heydaari’s input has motivated him to refine technique and strategy.

“He’s flexible in handling athletes, and as a senior I feel more driven to give my best for Indonesia,” Bassam remarked. He will compete in the men’s under‑68 kg category at the Asian Taekwondo Indonesia Open.

Poomsae athlete Andi Sultan Altaf Mirza expressed optimism about competing at home. “My target is to perform at full strength and deliver the best result for Indonesia. Winning gold is tough, but nothing is impossible,” he said.

The eighth edition of the Asian Taekwondo Indonesia Open will be staged at Tennis Indoor Senayan, Jakarta, from August 1–5. Classified as a G2 World Taekwondo event, it will feature 478 athletes from 36 countries and serve as a crucial platform to collect ranking points for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. ***