RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Papua Pegunungan canoeist Stevani Maysche Ibo is determined to bring home a medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, calling on the support and prayers of Indonesians as she prepares for the continental stage.

“Please support and pray for me and the people of Papua so that I can win a medal at the Asian Games,” Stevani said in Jayapura on Thursday, January 29, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The double gold medalist from the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand has been recalled to the national training camp at Jatiluhur Reservoir, West Java, as part of Indonesia’s preparations for the Games, which will be held in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City from September 19 to October 4, 2026.

Stevani is no stranger to the Asian Games. At the 2018 edition in Jakarta-Palembang, she competed in the dragon boat 200-meter event with a 12-member crew, securing a silver medal for Indonesia. This time, she will compete in canoeing, a discipline she hopes will deliver her next podium finish.

She acknowledged the formidable competition awaiting her in Japan, particularly from athletes representing China, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, who are among the strongest in the sport.

Beyond the Asian Games, Stevani has her eyes set on an even bigger stage, the Olympics. “The Olympics is one of my targets. I hope I can compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Games in the United States,” she said.

With her proven track record and renewed determination, Stevani stands as one of Indonesia’s brightest hopes in rowing, aiming to inspire both her nation and her home province of Papua with another historic achievement. ***