Indonesia to host the inaugural Asian Gym for Life Challenge 2026

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia has been chosen to host the inaugural Asian Gym for Life Challenge 2026, to be held in Yogyakarta on 15-18 October. Hundreds of gymnastics-for-all communities from across Asia are confirmed to participate in the continent’s first edition of the event, which also aims to strengthen Indonesia’s sport tourism through gymnastics.

“We are grateful that the world’s attention is once again on Indonesia and that we have been entrusted to host the Asian Gym for Life Challenge 2026. This is an event in one of gymnastics’ disciplines — gymnastics for all — where all gymnastics communities can get involved and register,” said Ita Yuliati, chair of the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation (FGI), in a formal statement on Saturday.

Indonesia’s appointment was unanimously approved by the Executive Committee of the Asian Gymnastics Union (AGU) after Thailand withdrew as host. The event will be the first of its kind at the Asian level and is hoped to develop into an annual international gymnastics calendar.

Unlike competitive gymnastics, gymnastics for all is an inclusive and non-competitive discipline that can be followed by people of all ages, genders and abilities. It places emphasis on fitness, enjoyment, friendship and group performances that prioritise recreation and a healthy lifestyle through gymnastics movements.

The FGI selected Yogyakarta as the venue due to its strong potential to develop sport tourism and to support government programmes in sport and tourism. “Yogyakarta is a city with many tourist destinations and is well-suited for the development of sport tourism. We hope this event can contribute and help drive the regional economy,” Ita said.

The organisation of the Asian Gym for Life Challenge 2026 is also expected to promote Indonesian culture and tourism internationally through a blend of sport, performances and community activities.