RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia's success at the 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Mexico extended beyond its 16-medal haul, with national athletes breaking both world and Asian records, strengthening the country's momentum ahead of the 2026 Asian Para Games and boosting confidence in its long-term Paralympic ambitions.

Para athlete I Kadek Dwi Purwana Yasa admitted he never expected to set a new world record in the F57 discus throw. His mark of 48.68 meters surpassed the previous world record of 48.55 meters, held by Brazil's Thiago Paulino dos Santos.

"I honestly didn't expect to break the record. I just tried to throw as well as I could, and it turned out that my best effort broke the world record. I'm very happy and still can't believe it," Kadek said on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, as quoted on the Youth and Sports Ministry official website.

Kadek said he faced two major challenges before the competition. The first was the long journey from Indonesia to Mexico, while the second was adapting to local food, which did not suit his taste.

"The solution to the first challenge was getting plenty of rest. For the second, we brought food from Indonesia. We managed to overcome both problems," he explained.

Meanwhile, para-athlete Nanda Mei Sholihah also delivered a standout performance by setting a new Asian record in the women's 100-meter T45/46/47 event. "My toughest opponent was actually myself because I had to overcome my fear. But with thorough preparation, everything went according to plan," she said.

After breaking the Asian record in the 100 meters and achieving a personal best in the 200 meters, Nanda said she is even more motivated heading into the 2026 Asian Para Games in Japan. She is scheduled to compete in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and relay, with ambitions of surpassing her personal targets and breaking more records.

"My next target is the 2026 Asian Para Games. I want to be even more motivated, achieve my personal goals, and hopefully break more existing records," Nanda concluded. ***