Desak Made Secures Gold in Women's Speed Climbing at 2026 Asian Games
Indonesian climber Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi clinched the gold medal in the women's speed climbing event at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, finishing with a remarkable time of 6.062 seconds, narrowly edging out her competitors.
Indonesian rock climber Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi achieved a significant milestone by winning the gold medal in the women's speed category at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Competing in Nagoya, Japan, Desak Made clocked an impressive time of 6.062 seconds in the final, securing her victory by just 0.002 seconds ahead of China's Li Juan Deng, who took home the silver medal with a time of 6.064 seconds. South Korea's Jeong Jimin rounded out the podium, earning the bronze with a time of 6.18 seconds.
Desak Made's journey to the gold medal began in the quarterfinals, where she showcased her skills in heat four against competitors Tamara Ulzhabayena of Kazakhstan, Hanareum Sung of South Korea, and Jeanette Frances Koh from Singapore. Finishing first in her heat with a time of 6.39 seconds, she advanced to the semifinals. Indonesia's Berthdigna Devi Surya Kusuma also competed in the quarterfinals, finishing second in her heat but was eliminated during the semifinals.
In the semifinals, Desak Made continued to demonstrate her prowess, posting the fastest time in her heat at 6.36 seconds, which propelled her into the final round. Her performance in the final not only secured her the gold medal but also marked a pivotal moment for Indonesia in the medal standings, contributing to the country's total of 31 medals at the Games, including four golds, seven silvers, and 20 bronzes.
Athlete Spotlights
Prior to her final race, Desak Made had placed third in the women's speed qualifying round, achieving a best time of 6.29 seconds across four climbs on different routes. Her victory at the Asian Games is a testament to her dedication and skill in the sport of climbing, highlighting Indonesia's growing presence in competitive rock climbing.
Desak Made's success is part of a broader achievement for the Indonesian team, which also celebrated gold medals in badminton men's doubles and weightlifting, showcasing the nation's diverse athletic talents. As Indonesia continues to excel in various sports, Desak Made's gold medal win serves as an inspiration for future climbers and athletes in the region.
