Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir Warns of Challenges Ahead at Asian Para Games After Meeting APG Chef de Mission
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir has warned of the challenges Indonesia faces in achieving success at the Asian Para Games 2026, during a meeting with Chef de Mission (CdM) of Indonesia's contingent for the ASEAN Para Games (APG) 2025, Reda Mantovani.
"We do not want to become complacent with past results, as the major Asian Para Games competition awaits," said Erick Thohir at the meeting in Jakarta on Wednesday.
The Indonesian contingent achieved outstanding success at the APG 2025 in Thailand from 20-26 January, collecting 135 gold medals to finish second in the final standings.
The Minister said the success was the result of collective hard work and solidarity between athletes, coaches, officials and the CdM as contingent leader.
He expressed his gratitude to Reda Mantovani for successfully completing his duties as CdM at the APG 2025.
"Under his leadership, our contingent was continually driven to meet challenges and deliver the best performances. Mr Reda has demonstrated that commitment yields success," he said.
He stated that the outstanding results at the APG 2025 serve as a foundation for para-athletes to continue their positive momentum heading into the Asian Para Games 2026 this coming October.
Indonesia, he said, must begin preparing to face the competition at Asia's largest para-sport multi-event.
"There is no time for extended rest. Athletes must now resume their preparations, as they are the nation's finest ambassadors representing Indonesia at the Asian level," he said.
The Minister affirmed that the government would fully support the athletes' endeavours, from training through to competing under the national flag at international events.
One form of this support is the presence of an international-standard Paralympic Training Centre in Karanganyar, Central Java, serving as an integrated, measurable and sustainable training facility.
"I want this training centre to strengthen athletes' readiness in honing their abilities whilst maintaining their motivation and achievement at international multi-sport para-events," he said.
"We do not want to become complacent with past results, as the major Asian Para Games competition awaits," said Erick Thohir at the meeting in Jakarta on Wednesday.
The Indonesian contingent achieved outstanding success at the APG 2025 in Thailand from 20-26 January, collecting 135 gold medals to finish second in the final standings.
The Minister said the success was the result of collective hard work and solidarity between athletes, coaches, officials and the CdM as contingent leader.
He expressed his gratitude to Reda Mantovani for successfully completing his duties as CdM at the APG 2025.
"Under his leadership, our contingent was continually driven to meet challenges and deliver the best performances. Mr Reda has demonstrated that commitment yields success," he said.
He stated that the outstanding results at the APG 2025 serve as a foundation for para-athletes to continue their positive momentum heading into the Asian Para Games 2026 this coming October.
Indonesia, he said, must begin preparing to face the competition at Asia's largest para-sport multi-event.
"There is no time for extended rest. Athletes must now resume their preparations, as they are the nation's finest ambassadors representing Indonesia at the Asian level," he said.
The Minister affirmed that the government would fully support the athletes' endeavours, from training through to competing under the national flag at international events.
One form of this support is the presence of an international-standard Paralympic Training Centre in Karanganyar, Central Java, serving as an integrated, measurable and sustainable training facility.
"I want this training centre to strengthen athletes' readiness in honing their abilities whilst maintaining their motivation and achievement at international multi-sport para-events," he said.