Indonesian Esports Athletes Target Podium Finish at 2026 Asian Games

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian esports athlete, Moch. Afthon Fathony, expressed his pride at being part of the Indonesian contingent competing at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. He said the opportunity was an extraordinary experience, as an activity once considered merely entertainment has now taken him to the international sporting stage.

Afthon said he was further motivated after Indonesia's Asian Games contingent was officially sent off by President Prabowo Subianto at the State Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. He described the moment as a valuable experience for Indonesia's esports athletes.

“I’m proud. Usually, we just play games for fun, but now we’ve made it to the State Palace and had the chance to shake hands with President Prabowo,” Afthon said.

Ahead of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Afthon and his teammates are targeting a bronze medal. However, the target is not the limit of their ambition, as the Indonesian esports team is determined to deliver its best performance and strive for a higher finish.

“Our target is to win the bronze medal, and we will do our best to go beyond that target,” he said.

Esports at the 2026 Asian Games will feature eight games and 30 teams, including Mobile Legends, Honor of Kings, Identity V, Naraka: Bladepoint, Pokémon Unite, eFootball, Gran Turismo 7, and PUBG Mobile. The athletes have undergone around two months of intensive training, supported by training facilities, nutritional programs, and medical assistance.

Another Indonesian esports athlete, Ararat Samuel Manullang, said being selected for the national team was a great honor. He viewed participation in the Asian Games as an opportunity to demonstrate the contribution esports can make to Indonesia's sporting achievements and to challenge perceptions that esports is often underestimated.

“We will give our best effort. We hope to achieve the best possible result because we are fighting not only for ourselves, but also for our nation and country,” Ararat said.