Indonesia's Bold Plan for 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics

TheIndonesia.id - Indonesia is setting ambitious goals for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games, aiming to build on its past successes and elevate its athletes to new heights. The National Paralympic Committee of Indonesia (NPC Indonesia) has been laying the groundwork for these goals since 2024, right after the Paris Paralympic Games.

According to Antara News Agency, one of the core strategies is the "Breaking Boundaries" programme, designed to not only scout for new talent but also shift societal perceptions about the capabilities of people with disabilities. NPC Indonesia's commitment to athlete development is clear, focusing on long-term regeneration and creating opportunities for young athletes to rise to the global stage.

NPC Indonesia has recognized that sustaining success at the Paralympics requires more than just relying on a few star athletes—it involves continually discovering and nurturing new talent. The "Breaking Boundaries" initiative is a key part of this vision. It actively seeks athletes from various regions of Indonesia, offering them the chance to showcase their abilities in a range of sports.

Chair of NPC Indonesia, Senny Marbun, emphasized that the programme is not only about finding talent but also building confidence and changing public perceptions.

"We want to show that our athletes have great potential to compete at the global level. This program builds their self-belief as well," he stated.

NPC Indonesia is collaborating with regional governments, special schools, and local communities to identify athletes, providing them with intensive training under national coaches to prepare them for international competition.

The 2024 National Paralympic Week (Peparnas) in Solo served as another major part of Indonesia’s preparation for 2028. This event, the largest sports competition for people with disabilities in Indonesia, was a prime opportunity for NPC Indonesia to spot emerging talents. With competitions ranging from athletics to table tennis, Peparnas was designed to evaluate athletes for future international representation.

NPC Secretary General, Rima Ferdianto, explained that Peparnas is crucial for identifying athletes who have the potential for further development.

"We don’t just look for winners—we focus on athletes who have the potential to grow with the right guidance," he said. Since 2021, NPC Indonesia has categorized athletes into elite and national groups, with the former being experienced competitors and the latter consisting of emerging athletes under careful monitoring.

In addition to domestic programs, NPC Indonesia is sending young athletes to international events like the World Abilitysport Youth Games. Participation in such events gives athletes valuable experience on the global stage, helping them build a competitive mindset and preparing them for higher-level competitions.

NPC Indonesia is strategically focusing on sports where the country has historically excelled, such as para athletics, para badminton, and para powerlifting. These sports have consistently brought success for Indonesia in international competitions. Additionally, the country's boccia team, which made a strong debut at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, is also a key area of focus.

Supporting these athlete development programmes are world-class facilities, such as the Delingan training center in Karanganyar, Central Java. This facility is designed for several sports, including athletics, swimming, and badminton, with plans to expand for other disciplines in the future.

Following a successful 2024 Paralympics in Paris, where Indonesia earned 14 medals, including one gold, eight silver, and five bronze, the country is optimistic about its prospects for 2028. With a solid foundation built on talent identification programmes, international experience, and state-of-the-art facilities, Indonesia is poised to achieve even greater success in Los Angeles.

NPC Indonesia’s strategic approach, from athlete development to competition participation, has set a strong path toward making a significant impact at the 2028 Paralympic Games.