Young Swimmer Adellia Presents Indonesia's First Gold at ISG 2025

While some athletes arrived at the international event with grand ambitions, young Indonesian swimmer Adellia competed without pressure. Yet from that calmness emerged sweet history for Indonesia's swimming team at the Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) 2025 in Riyadh.

“This (gold medal) is truly a surprise and the most special birthday gift for me,” said Adellia after winning gold, as quoted in the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) report from Jakarta on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

Competing at Riyadh's Olympic Pool, Adellia delivered an extraordinary performance in the women's 200-meter breaststroke. Her time of 2 minutes 32.24 seconds secured the top position, narrowly defeating Turkey's Pinar Donmez (2:32.91) and Lebanon's Lynn El Hajj (2:33.93).

The victory marked not only her first gold medal but also Indonesia's first swimming gold at ISG Riyadh 2025 - an achievement underscoring the potential of the nation's new swimming generation on the international stage.

Making the story more compelling, Adellia admitted she arrived without major targets. Physical unfitness and a challenging two-hour commute to the venue presented obstacles, yet she focused on enjoying the competition. 

“I just wanted to enjoy the race and give my best,” she stated.

Behind Adellia's Calm

For Indonesian swimming head coach Albert Christiandi Sutanto, Adellia's victory resulted from mental resilience and composure.

“Adellia performed with remarkable calm and confidence. This stems from her hard work and consistency during national training,” he remarked.

Albert added they initially favored Flairene Candrea for gold, but Adellia surprised with stable performance throughout the race.

“She'd shown great potential since the 100-meter breaststroke, though previously without luck,” Albert noted.

Adellia's pressure-proof calmness represents a rare quality among young athletes. In swimming's high-precision environment, maintaining rhythm and mental fortitude often determines podium finishes versus regret.

New Colors for Indonesian Swimming

Adellia's gold complemented Indonesia's positive swimming results in Riyadh. Earlier, the mixed 4x100-meter medley relay team (Farrel Armandio Tangkas, Muhammad Dwiky Raharjo, Azzahra Permatahani, Nadia Aisha Nurazmi) secured silver (4:03.53).

Flairene Candrea also contributed bronze in women's 100-meter backstroke (1:04.20).

Collectively, the team's performance signals Indonesian swimming's promising regeneration phase. Emerging young talents mark a new chapter post-senior era athletes like I Gede Siman Sudartawa and Glenn Victor Sutanto.

KOI data shows Indonesia sent 80 athletes across sports to ISG 2025. Yet Adellia's swimming gold drew particular attention, highlighting significant potential in a sector often serving as Asia's multi-event achievement benchmark.

Toward Bigger Stages

The Riyadh victory transcends medals. For Adellia, it signifies self-validation - a strong signal of Indonesia's resilient next generation ready for SEA Games 2027 and Asian championship qualifications.

Albert Christiandi believes this achievement will yield long-term impact. 

“This proves extraordinary capability and positive momentum toward SEA Games and future major events,” he emphasized.

Amid spotlights and pressure, Adellia chose joy in her water lane - from which emerged gold reflecting a new spirit for Indonesian swimming.