Indonesia Targets Two Climbing Golds at Asian Games 2026

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian climbing team is targeting two gold medals at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. The target comes from the men’s and women’s speed events, as well as an additional opportunity in the men’s lead event.

Indonesian Climbing Association (FPTI) Secretary General Wahyu Pristiawan Buntoro said the target is based on preparations and the results of the latest trials. According to him, Veddriq Leonardo and Desak Made Rita are Indonesia’s main hopes in the speed events.

“Technically, we will achieve them in the men’s and women’s speed events, based on our preparations and abilities,” he said in an interview with Pro 3 RRI on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

He expressed hopes Veddriq can return to his best form, while Desak is considered increasingly consistent in facing the competition.

Indonesia, he continued, also has an opportunity in the men’s lead event, which will feature Putra Tri Rahmadani, also known as Srondeng. He is currently ranked third in the world and has shown consistency in international competitions.

However, FPTI is not putting pressure on Srondeng to target gold because the Asian Games will be his first experience at the event. Wahyu hopes Srondeng can compete freely and produce a surprise in the men’s lead event.

Based on FPTI’s calculations, gold medal opportunities are open in the men’s and women’s speed events and the men’s lead event. “If these opportunities are maximized, Indonesia has the potential to win three gold medals from climbing,” Wahyu said.

Meanwhile, the boulder event is not targeted for a medal, with the main focus being on reaching the final. “At the moment, we only need to build a winning aura at the Asian Games to help the athletes perform at their best,” he added.

FPTI is also continuing to build the athletes’ mental readiness to face competition at the Asian level. Wahyu considers their experience as world champions an important asset in dealing with competitive pressure.

The Asian Games target is also seen as part of preparations for the 2028 Olympics. “They know that the Asian Games is an intermediate target before heading to Los Angeles (2028 Olympics),” he continued.

Previously, FPTI Chairperson Yenny Wahid said she was targeting at least three medals for Indonesia’s climbing team, with hopes that two of them would be gold.

The same hope was expressed by Asian Games Chef de Mission Todotua Pasaribu, who described climbing as one of Indonesia’s sports with medal prospects at the 2026 Asian Games. (Diffa Sephiawardhani)