Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Taufik Hidayat said the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships would help develop local talent and strengthen the country’s athletic competitiveness.

"I hope this world championships, the first ever held in Indonesia, can become an opportunity to scout and nurture our young gymnasts," he said at the opening ceremony on Sunday.

The event, held at Indonesia Arena in Jakarta, marks the first time the world championships have taken place in Indonesia or Southeast Asia.

Chairperson of the Indonesian National Olympic Committee (NOC Indonesia) Raja Sapta Oktohari described the event as historic and said it should serve as inspiration for athletes nationwide.

He encouraged the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation (FGI) to involve gymnasts and coaches from across the country to observe the event and learn from the world’s best performers.

"The world championships can inspire the emergence of more gymnasts in Indonesia. I believe this is a strong stepping stone for future achievements," he said.

FGI Chairperson Ita Yuliati expressed appreciation for the government's support, noting that equipment from the event would later be used to improve athlete training nationwide.

The 2025 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships are taking place in Jakarta from October 19 to 25, with hundreds of gymnasts from more than 70 countries competing.

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Translator: Arindra Meodia, Raka Adji
Editor: Anton Santoso
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