Indonesia Challenges Athletes to Win More Asian Games Golds

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia's Minister of Youth and Sports, Erick Thohir, challenged athletes to win more medals. He delivered the message during the Indonesian Team's Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 inauguration in Jakarta on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

The ceremony was held at the Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex Multipurpose Building. Erick urged Indonesian athletes and officials to deliver their best at Asia's largest multi-sport event.

The Minister highlighted Indonesia's record of 98 Asian Games gold medals. He said the achievement remains below Thailand's 144 gold medals accumulated throughout the Asian Games.

“We have won 98 gold medals, which is certainly thanks to our predecessors who fought for Indonesia's glory, including some who are present here. However, we are not yet worthy of being satisfied,” Erick said.

He challenged the Indonesian delegation to raise the Red and White flag as many times as possible. He urged athletes to surpass their medal expectations through determination and stronger performances.

“Therefore, I challenge everyone present, including myself, can we prepare properly for these Asian Games? Can we raise the Red and White flag as many times as possible at these Asian Games?” Erick said.

He also highlighted the sacrifices made by athletes during their preparations for the 2026 Asian Games. Indonesia's Ministry of Youth and Sports is preparing continuous national training programs for short, medium, and long-term development.

The Indonesian Team consists of 430 athletes and 145 officials from 35 sports, supported by 78 personnel. Indonesian Olympic Committee Chairman Raja Sapta Oktohari inaugurated the team, followed by the ceremonial handover of the Red and White flag.