JAKARTA, JAKTIMES.COM — In just a few hours, Indonesia will make history. For the first time ever, the country will host the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, a global sporting spectacle set to unfold in Jakarta from October 19 to 25.
It’s a moment that places Jakarta alongside Tokyo, Beijing, and Doha — the only other Asian cities that have ever hosted this century-old competition, which began in 1903. Of its 53 editions, 39 have been held in Europe, making this Southeast Asian debut not only symbolic but also a reflection of how far Indonesia has come on the world’s sporting map.
Indonesia may not be a traditional gymnastics powerhouse, but the world’s choice to bring the championship here speaks volumes — a vote of confidence in Indonesia’s growing sports ecosystem and its ability to stage global-scale events.
Yet, as the city readies itself for the opening ceremony, a quiet controversy lingers — the participation of Israeli athletes, including men’s floor world champion Artem Dolgopyat. Still, for many, the spotlight should stay on what matters most: Jakarta’s chance to host the world’s finest gymnasts for the very first time.
“This is not just about competition — it’s about experience, celebration, and inspiration,” said an official from Indonesia’s Gymnastics Federation, as quoted by Republika.co.id.
Missing Legends, Rising Stars
One notable absence casts a long shadow over the championship: Simone Biles. The American icon — often hailed as the greatest gymnast of all time — will not compete in Jakarta. At 28, Biles may be pacing herself for what could be her final Olympic appearance at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Her record remains untouchable: 11 Olympic medals (7 gold) and 30 World Championship medals (23 gold) — more than any gymnast in history. Her legacy is quite literally etched into the sport, with multiple high-difficulty moves bearing her name, alongside legends like Natalia Yurchenko and Mikhail Voronin.
Brazil’s star gymnast Rebeca Andrade, another fan favorite, will also miss the event. The 25-year-old has won six Olympic medals, including two golds from Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, and nine World Championship medals.
Even without Biles and Andrade, this year’s championship promises dazzling performances. Among the brightest names are Kaylia Nemour of Algeria — the 2024 Olympic uneven bars champion and the first African and Arab gymnast to win an Olympic medal — and Alice D’Amato of Italy, who made history by claiming Italy’s first Olympic balance beam gold in Paris 2024.
The Men’s Arena: A Clash of Giants
The men’s competition is shaping up to be even more intense. Japan’s Shinnosuke Oka, who dominated the 2024 Paris Olympics with four medals, including three golds, will face his compatriot and rival Daiki Hashimoto in what many call the “battle of artistry and precision.”
From Southeast Asia, all eyes are on Carlos Edriel Yulo of the Philippines. The two-time Olympic gold medalist (floor exercise and vault) became the first Southeast Asian athlete to win multiple Olympic golds in a single edition, cementing his legacy as a trailblazer for the region. Yulo also made history in 2019 as Southeast Asia’s first gymnastics world champion.
China’s Zou Jingyuan — the undisputed king of the parallel bars — will return in pursuit of more gold. With five Olympic medals, including two golds, and seven World Championship medals, Zou remains a cornerstone of China’s gymnastics dynasty.
The Next Generation
Beyond the stars, the 2025 World Championships will spotlight a new wave of prodigies — including Hamlet Manukyan of Armenia, the reigning junior world champion on pommel horse, and Germany’s Karina Schoenmaier, the 2024 European vault champion.
And of course, the host nation won’t just be watching from the sidelines. Indonesia will field its own athletes — Abiyu Raffi, Muhammad Aprizal, Satria Tri Wira Yudha, Joseph Judah Hatoguan, Agung Suci Tantio Akbar, Alarice Mallica Prakoso, Salsabilla Hadi Pamungkas, and Larasati Rengganis — each carrying the hopes of a nation eager to prove its mettle.
“Our goal is simple — to enjoy the experience and learn from the best,” said Indonesia’s women’s team coach, Eva Butar Butar, in a statement quoted by Republika.co.id.
Jakarta on the Global Stage
More than 500 athletes from 74 countries, including 14 Russian and Belarusian competitors participating under neutral flags, will vie for 12 world titles. For many, Jakarta will be the first step toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
For the host city, this championship is more than a competition — it’s a declaration of confidence, capability, and ambition.
So, as the world’s eyes turn to Jakarta this week, the message is clear: Welcome to the world stage.
Let the games begin (ROL/Wan).