Indonesia’s Nino Targets Mobile Legends Gold at Asian Games

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian esports player Syauki “Nino” Fauzan Sumarno is setting his sights on a gold medal in Mobile Legends: Bang‑Bang at the upcoming Asian Games, determined to break the long‑standing dominance of the Philippines in the event.

“I want Indonesia to finally be number one. For too long we’ve only been second or third. I want to change that,” Nino said in Jakarta on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He acknowledged that the Philippines remain Indonesia’s toughest rival, followed by Myanmar and Malaysia. The Philippines’ strong track record in Mobile Legends was evident when Indonesia fell short against them in the Grand Final of M7, a loss that has since become a key learning experience for the team.

Nino explained that the squad has undergone significant improvements during training camp, with both team and individual performances showing progress. “I’m very confident because I’ve seen big changes in our training and performance,” he added.

His personal ambition goes beyond simply winning a medal. “My target is gold. I’m feeling very confident right now,” he said.

To achieve that goal, the national team has been conducting multiple daily practice sessions, combining in‑game drills with physical training. Players also continue to train with their respective clubs, a mix that Nino believes helps maintain sharpness and consistency.

For Nino, the Asian Games marks a special milestone as it is his first time representing Indonesia at the national level, having previously competed internationally with his club. He views fan support not as pressure but as motivation.

“The more fans, the more motivation. It’s not a burden, because pressure can hurt performance,” he explained.

With renewed confidence, rigorous preparation, and lessons learned from past defeats, Nino hopes to lead Indonesia to its first Mobile Legends gold at the Asian Games. ***