Indonesian Recurve Archers Sharpen Mental Readiness Ahead of Asian Games

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Rather than focusing solely on physical drills, Indonesia’s recurve archery team is intensifying its mental preparation through visualization training as they gear up for the Asian Games Aichi‑Nagoya 2026.

Women’s recurve archer Rezza Octavia explained that the squad has been working with psychologists and mental trainers to strengthen resilience under pressure.

“We are supported by psychologists and mental trainers. Besides regular practice, we also do imagery training, such as hypnotherapy,” Rezza said in Jakarta on Monday, August 24, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Through these exercises, athletes simulate match scenarios to sharpen focus and readiness. Rezza draws on her experiences at the Olympics, SEA Games, and previous Asian Games to guide her visualization.

“We create visual simulations of how matches might unfold. Having competed at the Olympics, SEA Games, and Asian Games, I can picture what those championships feel like,” she noted.

Acknowledging that nerves are inevitable, Rezza emphasized the importance of mental strength--even for seasoned athletes. “Feeling nervous is human. Even Olympic champions experience it. What matters is maintaining mental resilience,” added the Paris 2024 Olympian.

The Aichi‑Nagoya Games will mark Rezza’s second Asian Games appearance after debuting in Hangzhou 2022.

Indonesia is fielding six recurve archers: Riau Ega Agata Salsabilah, Alviyanto Bagas Prastyad, Ahmad Khoirul Baasith, Diananda Choirunisa, Rezza Octavia, and Fathiyya Erista Maharani; alongside four compound archers: Sostar Andaru Rinaldi, Ratih Zil’izati Fadhly, Yurike Nina Bonita Pereira, and Nurisa Dian Ashrifah. ***