Sports Minister Praises Sumaya’s Fight for Teqball Silver

RRI.CO.ID, Nagoya - Indonesian Minister of Youth and Sports, Erick Thohir praised women’s teqball player Sumaya for winning a silver medal at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan.

Sumaya secured the silver after losing 1-2 to Myanmar’s Khin Hnin Wai in the women’s singles final at Nagoya City Higashi Sports Center on Sunday, September 20. Sumaya won the first set 12-10 before losing the next two sets 8-12 and 9-12.

Erick, who watched the match in person, said Sumaya had fought until the final point. He also praised Indonesia’s teqball team for winning two medals in the sport’s Asian Games debut.

“I was there to support Sumaya and watch her fight until the end in the women’s singles teqball final. Congratulations to Sumaya on winning the silver medal for Indonesia,” Erick said.

Yoga Ardika also won a bronze medal for Indonesia in the men’s singles event. Erick said the achievement was significant for Indonesian teqball, as the sport was contested at the Asian Games for the first time this year.

“This is a special achievement because teqball is making its Asian Games debut this year. This is the spirit we must carry forward. When a new sport is introduced, we must have the courage to participate, compete, and achieve,” he explained.

In the final, Sumaya made a strong start by winning the opening set. However, Khin Hnin Wai increased the pressure in the second and third sets, forcing Sumaya into several unforced errors before the Myanmar player secured the victory.

The silver medal marks a historic achievement for Indonesian teqball in its Asian Games debut. Sumaya said she remained proud of her efforts and would work with the coaching team to evaluate her performance and prepare for upcoming international competitions.