Indonesia’s Rowing Team Blends Youth and Experience for Asian Games 2026
- 15 Sep 2026 05:02 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Key Points
- Indonesia's rowing team is combining senior experience with young talent as it prepares for 10 events at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
- Coach Boudewijn van Opstal says adaptability will be key as 17 Indonesian rowers target strong performances in changing competition conditions.
RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia's rowing team is combining experienced athletes with younger talent as part of its strategy to strengthen the national squad ahead of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Head coach Boudewijn van Opstal emphasized the importance of combining seniority with fresh energy to sustain the team’s competitiveness.
“We need new athletes all the time, like a development system. The most important thing is the blend. You need seniority and experience,” he said in Jakarta on Monday, September 14, 2026, as quoted by Antara.
The Dutch coach expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness, noting that Indonesia’s rowers have already proven themselves in world and Asian competitions.
“We are prepared. We have a very experienced team with results at global and regional levels. We know what needs to be done,” he added.
Preparations have been underway for about three months, with the Asian Games marked as the team’s biggest challenge this year. Van Opstal acknowledged the journey has not been easy, requiring adjustments to new circumstances compared with previous editions.
Weather conditions in Japan, he noted, could play a crucial role. “We hope for good weather -- not too much rain, not too much wind. But adapting to changing situations is part of being a good athlete,” he explained.
Indonesia will send 17 rowers and seven officials to Nagoya on September 15, competing in 10 of the 14 rowing events scheduled from September 20 to 24. Van Opstal stressed that the ultimate goal is for athletes to perform freely and deliver their best on Asia’s biggest sporting stage. ***
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