Indonesia Sets Ambitious Goals for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia has set its sights on achieving remarkable success at the Los Angeles Paralympic Games in 2028, with National Paralympic Committee of Indonesia (NPC Indonesia) spearheading a series of strategic preparations since 2024, immediately following the Paris Paralympic Games.
The committee’s unwavering commitment is evident in various programs aimed at enhancing athlete performance and attracting new talents to strengthen Indonesia’s future Paralympic contingent.
Fostering New Talent Through “Breaking Boundaries”
Recognizing the importance of athlete regeneration, NPC Indonesia has launched “Breaking Boundaries”, a flagship program dedicated to scouting and nurturing young talent from across the country. This initiative underscores Indonesia’s determination to offer equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities, enabling them to achieve global sporting excellence.
NPC Indonesia Chair Senny Marbun emphasized that Breaking Boundaries is not just about talent scouting but also a social movement aimed at reshaping societal perceptions regarding the capabilities of people with disabilities.
“We want to showcase that our athletes have immense potential to compete at the global level. This program is not only about discovering talent but also about instilling confidence in them,” he stated.
To ensure the program’s success, NPC Indonesia is collaborating with regional governments, special schools, and local communities to identify promising athletes across different sports. Selected candidates undergo intensive training under the guidance of seasoned national coaches.
2024 Peparnas: A Key Platform for Talent Identification
A major event in Indonesia’s Paralympic preparations was the 2024 National Paralympic Week (Peparnas) in Solo. As the largest sporting event for people with disabilities in Indonesia, Peparnas provided a strategic platform to scout and recruit potential Paralympic athletes.
Secretary General of NPC Indonesia, Rima Ferdianto, highlighted that Peparnas serves as a primary channel for athlete development.
“We do not only seek winners but also identify athletes who have the potential to grow with the right coaching,” he remarked.
Since Peparnas 2021, NPC Indonesia has categorized athletes into two groups:
- Elite Athletes: Champions and competitors in international-level events.
- National Athletes: Emerging athletes under talent scout monitoring.
International Exposure for Young Athletes
In addition to national programs, NPC Indonesia is actively sending young athletes to global events such as the World Abilitysport Youth Games, a crucial stepping stone for refining skills on the international stage.
“Experience in overseas competitions is vital for fostering a competitive mindset. We want our athletes to be well-acquainted with the pressure and environment of international events,” Ferdianto explained.
Strategic Focus on Medal-Winning Sports
As part of its long-term strategy, NPC Indonesia is focusing on sports where Indonesian athletes have strong medal prospects. The priority sports include:
- Para Athletics
- Para Badminton
- Para Powerlifting
- Boccia, which gained international recognition following Indonesia’s Paris 2024 Paralympics debut.
Events such as Peparnas 2024 have already helped unearth young talents who are predicted to become medal contenders at Los Angeles 2028.
Upgraded Training Facilities to Support Athlete Development
Indonesia’s athlete preparation efforts are reinforced by modern training facilities, including the Delingan Training Center in Karanganyar, Central Java. This center caters to multiple sports such as athletics, swimming, and badminton, with further expansions planned.
Optimism for Los Angeles 2028
Following Indonesia’s 14-medal haul at the Paris 2024 Paralympics—comprising one gold, eight silver, and five bronze medals—the nation is confident about achieving even greater success in 2028. Notably, the boccia team, making its debut, secured two silver and two bronze medals, earning international acclaim.
With comprehensive preparations, including talent scouting programs, national and international competitions, and world-class training facilities, Indonesia is determined to surpass its previous achievements at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
