Indonesia to host IFSC Speed World Cup

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia is ready to host the 2023 IFSC Speed World Cup at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK), Senayan, Jakarta, on May 6 and 7.

The location for this year’s competition is different from last year’s debut, which was held in the Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD), Jakarta, Indonesian Sport Climbing Federation’s (FPTI’s) Chairperson, Yenni Wahid, told media on Monday.

“The board that will be used is still the same as last year and the preparation has already reached 70 percent,” she informed.

Other technical preparations are going well, but there is still no clarity on the issue concerning sponsorship yet, she said.

Wahid informed that she will hold a meeting with the Youth and Sports Ministry this week to ensure the event is a success.

FPTI alone will bear the cost of hosting this year’s event, which will reach above Rp10 billion or US$682.73, she highlighted.

“Sport climbing is a prioritized sports branch, which certainly must be reflected in the government’s support. The government’s support exists, but it is far from maximum and far from expectation,” she added.

She said she expects that the government will provide more substantial support for Indonesian sport climbing athletes so that they can make higher achievements.

“Performing on home territory usually leads to higher achievements. This is why international championships are held here, and it is also done to promote the sport among the public,” Wahid said.

At the 2023 IFSC Boulder and Speed World Cup in Seoul, South Korea, Indonesia only sent athletes for the men’s and women’s speed events since it still had an advantage in the category.

On Friday, Indonesia managed to bag one gold medal and one silver medal at the competition.