Olympic Dream Drives Indonesia's Young Gymnasts at 2025 World Championships

The cheers of the audience at Indonesia Arena, Jakarta, bore witness to the courageous steps of Indonesia's young gymnasts competing at the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships. Though the results didn't secure them spots in the all-around finals, the spirit and determination of the Indonesian women's team deserve applause.

After completing the qualification session on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, women's gymnastics coach Zahari still expressed pride in her trainees' hard work.

“In my opinion, the girls performed quite well. Their performance during training and competition was consistent. Sometimes they even perform better than this,” stated Zahari after qualifications.

Debut on the World Stage

Two young gymnasts, Salsabilla Hadi Pamungkas and Alarice Mallica Prakoso, made their international debuts with confidence. 

Salsabilla ranked 65th with 44.432 points total: 12.933 in vault, 9.800 in uneven bars, 10.266 in balance beam, and 11.433 in floor exercise.

Meanwhile, Alarice placed one spot below at 66th with 44.266 points total: 11.900 in vault, 10.600 in uneven bars, 10.000 in balance beam, and 11.766 in floor exercise.

Though unable to reach the finals, competing at the world level proved invaluable for both athletes. 

For Salsabilla, performing at the World Championships fulfilled a long-held dream.

“This is my first time competing at a world championship. Seeing other athletes definitely boosts my motivation. I watch them thinking someday I'll be like them. It motivates me toward the Olympics too,” shared Salsabilla.

Her teammate Alarice echoed similar sentiments, noting that competing against world-class athletes reshaped her understanding of perseverance and discipline.

“Regarding improvement—I always want to upgrade. Not necessarily because I see other athletes. I have my own personal targets,” said Alarice.

Challenges and Unwavering Spirit

The Indonesian team competed without full strength, as key gymnast Larasati Rengganis withdrew due to a hand injury from an uneven bars mishap during pre-competition training.

Indonesian gymnastics team manager Indra Sibarani detailed the incident.

“During podium training, she could still perform on three apparatus: floor, balance beam, and vault. We adapted to her capabilities,” Indra explained.

However, Larasati's condition deteriorated two days later.

“Swelling developed afterward. Her hand became increasingly immobile, so medical staff decided she must withdraw despite her eagerness to compete,” he added.

While the injury impacted the team, their spirit remained unbroken, turning this experience into valuable preparation for future competitions.

A World Stage Rich with Lessons

Meanwhile, elite gymnasts showcased their prowess. Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist Angelina Melnikova (Russia) led all-around qualifications with 54.566 points. 

Japan's Aiko Sugihara placed second (54.099 points), while Paris 2024 uneven bars gold medalist Kaylia Nemour (Algeria) took third (53.865 points).

Though the score gap was significant, the young Indonesian team's boldness in competing at this level marked a crucial milestone. 

For Salsabilla, Alarice, and Larasati, this championship isn't an endpoint but the beginning of their long journey toward the Olympic stage they've dreamed of since childhood.(Antara)