Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia has announced its ambitious goal of winning 120 gold medals at the 13th ASEAN Para Games, which will be held in Thailand from January 20 to 26 next year.
Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir shared the target following a meeting with Senny Marbun, Chairman of the Indonesian National Paralympic Committee (NPC Indonesia), in Jakarta, Monday.
Thohir explained that the medal target is designed to secure a second-place finish at the regional multi-sport event, acknowledging the fierce competition posed by the host nation.
Thailand has set its sights on clinching around 174 gold medals, a figure that reflects its determination to dominate the tournament on home soil.
In response, Thohir emphasized that Indonesia’s goal is both realistic and grounded in humility, describing the runner-up ambition as a sign of openness and self-awareness.
“It is crucial that we all conduct self-assessments to prepare for the challenges ahead,” Thohir noted, who also serves as chairman of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI).
Chef de Mission Reda Manthovani added that Indonesia will send a contingent of 306 para-athletes to compete across 18 sports.
With only three months of preparation time—from October to December—the team is undergoing centralized training.
A total of 291 athletes from 17 sports are training in Solo City, Central Java, while 15 ten-pin bowlers are based in North Jakarta.
Their efforts are supported by 95 coaches, 91 support staff, and 18 team managers.
Although Indonesia is aiming for second place this time, the country has a strong legacy at the ASEAN Para Games.
It claimed the overall championship in the last two editions, winning 175 gold medals as host in 2022 and 159 golds in Cambodia in 2023.
With a focused strategy and a determined team, Indonesia is preparing to make a strong showing in Thailand.
