iMSPORT.TV – After a long absence, three sports: ice skating, skateboarding, and sport climbing will finally return to competition at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand. Their comeback not only brings a sense of nostalgia but also opens new opportunities for Indonesia to add to its gold medal collection.
The 2025 SEA Games will take place from December 9 to 20 across several cities in Thailand, featuring a total of 50 sports. Among them, the three returning disciplines are ready to make a strong impression once again.
The Indonesian Ice Skating Federation (FISI) will field 12 top athletes including 9 in short track speed skating and 3 in figure skating competing in seven events.
At the last SEA Games that featured ice skating, the 2019 edition in the Philippines, Indonesia won four silver and two bronze medals. This time, the goal is higher to claim the country’s first-ever gold on ice.
“Our preparations are at their peak. The athletes have a strong spirit to make history,” said one of FISI’s coaches optimistically.
After a six-year hiatus, skateboarding is also set to make a vibrant return. Indonesia will send eight athletes, both men and women, to compete in the park and street categories.
The team has set an ambitious goal of two golds, two silvers, and two bronzes a realistic target given the solid performances of Indonesia’s young skaters on the international stage.
“We want to bring fresh energy to Thailand. Our young skaters have the style, spirit, and creativity to surprise,” said a representative of the national skateboarding team.
Sport climbing, one of Indonesia’s strongest sports, is also back in the SEA Games lineup. The last time it was contested at the 2011 SEA Games in Jakarta–Palembang Indonesia dominated the field, sweeping the podium with nine gold and five silver medals.
Three Sports Return to the 2025 SEA Games: Indonesia Aims for a Golden Leap
This year, 18 athletes will compete across six events: men’s and women’s speed, lead, and boulder. Head coach Hendra Basir has set a target of two to three golds, even though most of the athletes are from the second-tier team.
“Speed and women’s lead are still our key events. Our main squad is being prepared for the Asian Games and Olympics, but the SEA Games remain crucial for building experience and maintaining dominance,” said Hendra.
Chef de Mission (CdM) of the Indonesian contingent, Bayu Priawan Djokosoetono, visited the national training camps for the three sports in Bekasi, Cakung, and Cikarang. During his visit, he confirmed that all athlete and coaching needs had been fulfilled.
“In principle, everything has been prepared. We came to boost morale and ensure every detail from technical and logistical aspects to athlete welfare runs smoothly,” Bayu said.
According to him, the return of these three sports marks an important moment for Indonesia to expand its achievements across different arenas.
“We want to see the Indonesian flag fly high in Thailand on ice, on the board, and on the wall,” he emphasized.
The return of ice skating, skateboarding, and sport climbing at the 2025 SEA Games is more than just a reunion of old sports it’s a moment of resurgence. With a mix of young talents and seasoned athletes, Indonesia is ready to prove that no matter the arena slippery, steep, or extreme the fighting spirit of the Red-and-White never fades.
(amr/adm)
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