Indonesia to compete in 32 sports at 2026 Asian Games

Indonesia is set to participate in 32 sports at the upcoming 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in September. This announcement comes from Todotua Pasaribu, the Chef de Mission (CdM) of the Indonesian Contingent for the 2026 Asian Games, who confirmed the decision after holding final discussions with various stakeholders, including sports administrators. The selection of these sports reflects Indonesia’s strategic approach to maximize its chances of success in the multi-sport event, which is considered the largest in Asia.

The Indonesian team currently consists of 411 athletes, with the possibility of increasing to approximately 450 participants before the Games begin. In addition to the athletes, there will be 150 officials accompanying them, making the total number of individuals traveling to Japan around 600. These numbers indicate a significant commitment from Indonesia to ensure comprehensive representation across multiple disciplines. Among the 32 selected sports are rock climbing, athletics, and aquatics—disciplines where Indonesia has shown promise in recent competitions.

To prepare for the Games, the CdM team has already initiated meetings with officials from all participating sports to coordinate efforts effectively. Pasaribu emphasized that ongoing coordination with each sport would continue as the team approaches its departure date for Japan. These meetings aim to monitor the progress of athletes’ training and address specific requirements for each discipline. The preparation strategy includes utilizing domestic resources to support the athletes throughout their journey, from the initial stages in Indonesia to their arrival in Japan and participation in the Games.

A crucial aspect of the preparation plan involves boosting the morale of athletes and strengthening support for the official team. According to Pasaribu, this initiative is designed to maintain high spirits among the athletes and provide robust backing for the officials involved. The Indonesian government has also taken steps to facilitate the team's participation by reallocating funds. Through this process, the government secured Rp61 billion (approximately US$3.3 million), which has been allocated to the CdM team to cover expenses related to the athletes' participation in the Asian Games.

In addition to the broader preparations for the Asian Games, Indonesia has demonstrated strong performance in certain sports, such as rock climbing. Recent results highlight the country's growing prowess in this area, with Indonesian climbers securing four medals at the World Climbing Series in Krakow. Such achievements underscore the potential for success in international competitions and reinforce the importance of continued investment in athlete development and infrastructure.

The inclusion of diverse sports in Indonesia's delegation highlights the nation's ambition to perform well across a wide range of disciplines. While some sports may offer better prospects than others, the overall goal remains focused on achieving competitive results and showcasing Indonesia's athletic capabilities on a continental stage. With extensive planning and financial support from the government, the Indonesian team aims to make a notable impact at the 2026 Asian Games. As the countdown continues toward the event, the emphasis will remain on ensuring that athletes receive the necessary training, resources, and encouragement to excel in their respective fields.