Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian sport climbing coach Hendra Basir has reaffirmed that the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics remains a top priority for the national team, framing it as a cornerstone of the sport’s long-term development.

Speaking in Jakarta on Saturday, Hendra revealed that the team has crafted a five-year roadmap with clear, measurable targets—from nurturing young talent to achieving podium finishes on the world stage.

“Our main goal is to prepare athletes capable of competing at the Olympics and World Championships, while also ensuring a strong pipeline of talent from the grassroots,” he said.

The roadmap, he explained, is designed to sustain performance consistency while expanding regional training hubs.

A key focus is youth development through tiered competitions — starting in schools and local clubs, and progressing to national championships.

“This structure ensures we have a deep pool of athletes ready to rise to the international level,” Hendra noted.

International exposure will continue to be promoted in the lead-up to the Olympics, though 2025 will be a recovery year for athletes following a demanding 2024 season.

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“Grassroots development is essential. That’s where exceptional talent emerges and is refined through the national program. Without that foundation, success won’t last,” he emphasized.

In the medium term, the team is also targeting stronger performances at the SEA Games and Asian Games.

Beyond athlete development, the roadmap includes enhancing coaching capacity, integrating sports science, and applying technology to optimize training.

“We’re using data analytics to track athlete progress and make training programs more precise,” said Hendra, who coached Veddriq Leonardo to a gold medal in speed climbing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Talent scouting continues through national and regional championships, aimed at building a sustainable athlete base across speed, lead, and bouldering disciplines.

Indonesia is currently recognized as a global powerhouse in speed climbing, with elite athletes such as Veddriq Leonardo, Kiromal Katibin, and Raharjati Nursamsa leading the charge.

In the women’s category, Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi and Rajiahn Sallsabillah have consistently represented Indonesia at International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) events.

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