Through the National Paralympic Committee of Indonesia (NPC Indonesia), several strategic preparations have been started since 2024, that is right after the Paris Paralympic Games.
The committee's commitment is evident in the variety of programs designed not only to improve the quality of athletes but also to attract new talents who have the potential to strengthen the Indonesian contingent in the future.
NPC Indonesia has realized that to continue to maintain its gold streak at the Paralympics, it cannot rely on just one athlete, rather, regeneration of new athletes is necessary.
Therefore, it is trying to create a program to find new talents who can replace senior athletes in the future.
One of the programs initiated by NPC Indonesia to find and develop talented young athletes from various regions in Indonesia is "Breaking Boundaries."
The program reflects Indonesia's seriousness in providing opportunities to all individuals, including people with disabilities so that they can script achievements at the global level.
Chair of NPC Indonesia, Senny Marbun, said that Breaking Boundaries is not only a talent scouting program but also a social movement to change people's perception of the abilities of people with disabilities.
"We want to show that our athletes have great potential to compete at the global level. This program not only looks for talents but also builds their confidence," he added.
For the program, NPC Indonesia is collaborating with regional governments, special schools, and local communities to scout prospective athletes in various sports.
The selected athletes will undergo intensive training under the guidance of experienced national coaches.
Another major agenda that was part of the preparations for the 2028 Paralympics was the 2024 National Paralympic Week (Peparnas) in Solo.
For NPC, the event was not only the largest sports event for people with disabilities in Indonesia but also a strategic opportunity to observe and recruit potential athletes from all regions in the country.
The 2024 Peparnas was expected to make new history with higher participation. It covered many sports, ranging from athletics to table tennis. All athletes competing in Peparnas were evaluated thoroughly by the NPC Indonesia talent scout team.
Secretary General of NPC Indonesia, Rima Ferdianto, said that Peparnas is one of the main routes of athlete regeneration.
"We do not only seek winners but also identify those who have the potential to develop further with the right coaching," he informed.
Since the 2021 edition of Peparnas, NPC Indonesia has divided competitions into two categories: the elite athlete and the national athlete category.
Elite athletes are those who have become champions and competed in international-level events, while national athletes are rookie athletes who are being monitored by the talent scouting team.
In addition to national programs and competitions, NPC Indonesia is also actively sending young athletes to participate in international events such as the World Abilitysport Youth Games, which is considered an important stepping stone for young athletes to hone their skills on the global stage.
Participating in the World Abilitysport Youth Games would provide valuable experience for young athletes. It would also serve as a trial event to determine their readiness to compete at higher-level competitions.
"Experience of competing abroad is very important to build the competitive mindset of athletes. We want them to be accustomed to the pressure and atmosphere of international competitions," he explained.
As part of its long-term strategy, NPC Indonesia is also planning to focus on coaching sports where Indonesian athletes have a great chance of winning medals at the Paralympics.
The priority sports include para athletics, para badminton, and para powerlifting, which have been Indonesia's mainstay sports in many international competitions.
There is also boccia, in which Indonesia won praise from the international world during the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Events such as the 2024 Peparnas have also helped produce talented young athletes who are predicted to be medal winners for Indonesia at the 2028 Paralympics.
In addition to programs and competitions, Indonesia's preparations to boost athletes' achievements are also being supported by facilities.
The training center for athletes with disabilities in Delingan, Karanganyar district, Central Java, is ready to be used for several sports, including athletics, swimming, and badminton, and will continue to be developed for other sports.
It is only right for Indonesia to be optimistic about the Los Angeles Paralympics following the country's 14-medal haul at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, comprising one gold, eight silver, and five bronze medals.
Of the total, two silver medals and two bronze medals were secured by Indonesia's boccia debutant team.
With thorough preparations, Indonesia is continuing to strive to make more outstanding achievements at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics.
The Breaking Boundaries program, national- and international-level sports events, and training facilities are important foundations for realizing the country's goals.
Translator: Aditya Ramadhan, Raka Adji
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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