Indonesia broadens sports focus ahead of 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

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3 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian government will broaden its focus beyond badminton as part of its sports development program ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Taufik Hidayat said.

“Starting next year until the Olympics, the government will focus on more than just badminton. Several other sports will also receive more attention than in previous years,” he said in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He said greater attention was needed because athlete development takes time, while competition for places and medals at the 2028 Olympics is becoming increasingly intense.

He added that government support must cover all aspects of athlete development, including training programs, participation in competitions, and other supporting needs.

Taufik said President Prabowo Subianto had also shown attention to the development of national sports, including the achievements of the Indonesian contingent at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

“The President is very supportive and grateful for the efforts made at the Asian Games. As a representative of the government, I will work harder for Indonesian sports,” he said.

For badminton, Taufik said the government and the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) would continue their development program ahead of the 2028 Olympics.

He said the two gold, one silver, and three bronze medals won at the 2026 Asian Games should serve as motivation to improve performance rather than lead to complacency.

“Let us not get complacent here. We still have many competitions ahead. Moreover, we should focus on the 2028 Olympics,” he reminded.

Taufik also highlighted the need to prioritize athletes’ needs despite the government’s budget efficiency measures.

“Amid the government’s efficiency measures, athlete development takes time. So, keep training, keep competing, and we will keep fighting,” he said.

He also expressed hope that Indonesia’s success at the Asian Games would serve as a foundation for improving the country’s performance at future international events ahead of the 2028 Olympics.