Indonesia to begin 2028 Olympics training camp this year: Minister

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Jakarta (ANTARA) – Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir outlined plans to prepare national training camps for leading sports this year in preparation for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, United States.

“We know that several leading sports, such as weightlifting, rock climbing, badminton, and archery, will begin preparing for the national training camps this year. Not six months in advance, but this year,” he informed at the Presidential Palace Complex for bonuses appreciation for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and Asian Para Games medalists on Thursday.

Thohir said the plan for the 2028 Olympic national training camps had been conveyed to President Prabowo Subianto.

According to him, the early preparations are aimed at enhancing Indonesian athletes’ readiness for the world’s biggest sporting event.

Several sports receiving attention in preparation for the 2028 Olympics include weightlifting, rock climbing, badminton, and archery, he continued.

On Thursday, President Prabowo handed over bonuses totaling Rp158.3 billion (US$8.7 million) to athletes and coaches who won medals at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and Asian Para Games.

Of that amount, Rp61.1 billion (US$3.3 million) was awarded to Asian Games athletes and coaches, and Rp97.2 billion (US$5.3 million) to Asian Para Games athletes and coaches.

At the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, Indonesia won 39 medals, consisting of five gold, 11 silver, and 23 bronze medals. Indonesia ranked 16th in the standings, surpassing its target of four gold medals.

Meanwhile, at the 2026 Asian Para Games, Indonesia brought home 73 medals, consisting of 15 gold, 21 silver, and 37 bronze medals. The result put Indonesia eighth in the medal standings, exceeding its target of seven gold medals.

For individual gold medalists, the president handed out bonuses of Rp3 billion (US$165 thousand). The gold medalist in doubles received Rp2.4 billion (US$132 thousand), while the team medalist received Rp1.5 billion (US$82 thousand).

Minister Thohir did not specify the bonuses for silver and bronze medalists.

Previously, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Taufik Hidayat said the government was prioritizing several sports in its athlete development program ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

He noted that athlete development requires long-term preparation, especially as competition for the 2028 Olympics becomes increasingly competitive.

Hidayat added that government support should cover all aspects of performance development, including training programs, participation in competitions, and other essential support.