Indonesia to Host Asia's First Asian Gym for Life Challenge 2026

Indonesia has again earned the trust to host an international sporting event after being officially named the host of the 1st Asian Gym for Life Challenge 2026, which will be held in Yogyakarta from 15 to 18 October 2026. Hundreds of gymnastics for all communities from various Asian countries are confirmed to participate in the inaugural event, which is also expected to become a momentum for strengthening Indonesia’s sport tourism through the sport of gymnastics. Ita Yuliati, chairperson of the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation (FGI), said that the designation of Indonesia as host demonstrates the increasing international confidence in Indonesia’s ability to organise sports events of global scale. ‘Alhamdulillah, the eyes of the world are once again on Indonesia, so we are trusted to host the Asian Gym for Life Challenge 2026. This is an event in one of the gymnastic disciplines, namely gymnastics for all, where the entire gymnastics community can participate and register,’ Ita said in an official statement on Saturday. The appointment of Indonesia was unanimously decided by the Executive Committee of the Asian Gymnastics Union after Thailand withdrew as host. The event will be the first gymnastics for all event at the Asian level and is expected to develop into an annual international gymnastics agenda. Unlike competitive gymnastics, the gymnastics for all discipline is inclusive and non-competitive, allowing participation from a wide range of people regardless of age, gender, or ability. This discipline emphasises fitness, enjoyment, friendship, and group performances that prioritise the spirit of recreation and a healthy lifestyle through gymnastics movements. The FGI chose Yogyakarta as the hosting location because it is seen as having great potential in developing sport tourism while supporting the national sports and tourism sectors. ‘Yogyakarta is a city with many tourist destinations and suitable for the development of sport tourism. We hope this event can contribute and help move the regional economy,’ Ita said.