Minister Erick Motivates Indonesian Swimmers Ahead of Asian Games Final

RRI.CO.ID, Tokyo - Minister of Youth and Sports, Erick Thohir, has motivated Indonesia’s swimming team after securing a place in the men’s 4x100m medley relay final at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games in Tokyo, Tuesday, September 22, 2026. The team, consisting of Jason Yusuf, Arya Hayono, Joe Kurniawan, and Kevin Prayitno, advanced to the final after finishing third in Heat 2 with a time of 3:38.97.

“I’m here to give you my direct support. We are grateful that swimming has once again become one of Indonesia’s priority sports,” he vsaid.

Erick said the government has established a long-term national training program with measurable targets, covering major competitions from the SEA Games and Asian Games to the Olympics.

Following the team’s qualification for the Asian Games final, the Minister said Indonesian swimming has the potential to step up its performance and compete at a higher level in the region. The government is also preparing scholarship programs for athletes at various levels of education as part of its commitment to their future.

“The government’s commitment is tremendous. We are promoting scholarship programs for athletes at various levels of education as an appreciation for your efforts,” he said.

Erick also encouraged the swimmers to give their best in the final and promised bonuses for athletes who achieve outstanding results.

“Let’s win the final. The government has promised bonuses,” he said.

Joe Kurniawan thanked Erick for attending and supporting the team. He said the team’s preparations had gone well and expressed his confidence in their chances of reaching the podium.

“Our preparations have been good. Now we just need to strengthen our coordination. We ask for your prayers and support so that we can reach the podium,” Joe said.