Indonesia has officially been selected as the host of the 1st Asian Gym for Life Challenge 2026, which will be held in Yogyakarta from October 15–18, 2026. The decision was unanimously approved by the Executive Committee of the Asian Gymnastics Union (AGU) after Thailand withdrew as the host.

Chairperson of the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation (FGI), Ita Yuliati, said the opportunity represents an important moment for Indonesia to once again demonstrate its capacity to host international sporting events, particularly in gymnastics.

“Alhamdulillah, the world’s attention is once again turning to Indonesia, as we have been entrusted to host the Asian Gym for Life Challenge 2026. This is an event representing one of the disciplines of gymnastics, namely Gymnastics for All, in which gymnastics communities from all backgrounds can participate and register,” Ita said in a statement on Friday (May 22, 2026).

The event is expected to attract hundreds of Gymnastics for All communities from various countries across Asia. Unlike competitive gymnastics, Gymnastics for All is an inclusive and non-competitive discipline that is open to people from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, or ability.

The discipline focuses on fitness, health, friendship, recreation, and group performances based on gymnastics movements. The concept is considered aligned with efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle and further develop community-based sports, which are currently being encouraged by the government.

Ita explained that Yogyakarta was selected to support the development of national sport tourism. In addition to having a strong tourism infrastructure, Yogyakarta is considered well positioned to become a hub for sports activities rooted in culture and community engagement.

“This is the first edition, and we hope it can develop into an annual gymnastics event. Yogyakarta is a city with many tourist destinations and is well suited for sport tourism. We hope this event can make a meaningful contribution and help drive the local economy,” she said.

The hosting of the Asian Gym for Life Challenge 2026 is also considered in line with the direction of Indonesia’s national sports development, which positions sport not only as a means of achieving athletic excellence, but also as an instrument for strengthening the economy, tourism, and international diplomacy.

The international trust placed in Indonesia as the host is seen as further evidence of the country’s growing capacity to organize world-class sporting events. Indonesia has previously successfully hosted various international championships across multiple sports, contributing to the growth of the creative economy and regional tourism sectors.

The event also supports the implementation of President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita agenda, particularly in strengthening human capital, developing the national sports industry, and promoting tourism through international events.