RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Jakarta has officially become the epicenter of Asian fencing as it hosts the 2026 Asian Cadet & Junior Fencing Championship from 20 to 27 February 2026. This marks a high-stakes return for Indonesia to the international fencing stage.

As reported by Antara, the week-long event serves as a critical gateway for athletes eyeing the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. At the same time, it is delivering a substantial multi-sector economic surge to the capital city.

"This is the first cadet and junior championship in the Asian zone for 2026, so the enthusiasm is incredibly high," said Firtian Judiswandarta, Secretary General of the Executive Board of the Indonesian Fencing Association (PB IKASI), in Jakarta on Saturday, February 22, 2026.

He noted that this continental championship for these age groups occurs only once a year. Consequently, Jakarta stands as the exclusive host for the region this season, drawing 801 athletes from 26 nations.

The influx of international participants has created an immediate "multiplier effect" on the local economy. With parents and officials included, over 1,600 visitors are estimated to be residing in Jakarta for the duration of the tournament.

“On average, each delegation spends between IDR 800 million (USD USD 47.441) to IDR 1.2 billion (USD 71,162) just for hotel accommodations, and that does not even include meals, equipment, and other necessities,” explained Firtian.

This international gathering also creates a dynamic marketplace for small and medium-sized enterprises. Firtian added that such events open doors for local businesses to market sports products, fencing gear, and various supporting services.

“When we talk about the sports industry, it is not just about the match. There is sport tourism, sport entertainment, and sport products all moving together,” he remarked.

The championship represents a historic milestone for Indonesia, marking the first time the nation has hosted an international cadet and junior fencing event since 2011. This successful return is viewed as a strategic stepping stone for the country's sports diplomacy and organizational capabilities.

“Indonesia is not trusted to be a host every year. This paves the way for even larger events in the future,” concluded Firtian. ***