RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia strengthened its preparations for the 2026 Asian Para Games after delivering a standout performance at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026 in Tlaxcala, Mexico, collecting 16 medals, including 15 golds, and finishing second overall behind host nation Mexico.

The July 21-24, 2026 competition, a Level 2 event on the World Para Athletics calendar featuring athletes from 26 countries, also provided valuable ranking points toward the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, while serving as Indonesia's final major tune-up before Nagoya.

National para athletics coach Setyo Budi Hartanto described the results as proof that Indonesia's long-term national training program is delivering.

"The results are very satisfying. I Kadek Dwi broke the world record in the F57 discus throw, while Nanda Sholihah set a new Asian record in the T47 100 meters," Setyo said in a written statement on Monday, July 27, as quoted by Antara.

Indonesia finished behind only Mexico, which fielded hundreds of athletes and topped the standings with 99 gold, 101 silver, and 81 bronze medals.

One of the tournament's biggest highlights came from I Kadek Dwi Purwana Yasa, who broke the F57 discus throw world record with a mark of 48.68 meters, surpassing Brazilian athlete Thiago Paulino dos Santos' previous record of 48.55 meters.

Nanda Mei Sholihah also delivered a historic performance by setting a new Asian record in the women's T47 100 meters. She became Indonesia's most successful athlete at the event, winning three gold medals, including two individual titles and one relay gold.

Karisma Evi Tiarani and Taufik Abdul Karim each contributed two individual gold medals.

Indonesia's other gold medalists were Ni Made Arianti Putri, Saptoyogo Purnomo, Jaenal Aripin, Alfin Nomleni, Partin, Fauzi Purwolaksono, I Kadek Dwi Purwana Yasa, and Suparni Yati.

The team's only silver medal came through Jaenal Aripin.

Setyo said the Grand Prix was particularly important because it offered athletes an opportunity to earn ranking points for the 2028 Paralympics while assessing their readiness ahead of the Asian Para Games.

"We will continue improving so the athletes can reach peak performance in Nagoya," he said.

Kadek admitted he had not expected to leave Mexico as a world record holder. "I was simply trying to produce my best throw. It turned out to be enough to break the world record. I'm very happy and honestly didn't expect it," he said.

Nanda credited her long-term preparation for helping her handle the pressure, noting that her biggest challenge came from herself. "With thorough preparation, everything went according to plan," she said.

The Asian record holder has now shifted her focus to the 2026 Asian Para Games, where she hopes to achieve her personal targets including breaking another record. ***