Top Climbers Set for Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games Sport Climbing Events

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has officially released the list of athletes who will compete in sport climbing at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to take place in Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026. The announcement confirms the participation of climbers from across Asia, including a contingent from Kazakhstan, which has secured four qualification slots for the event.

Kazakhstan Secures Four Qualification Slots

Kazakhstan will be represented by four athletes in the sport climbing competitions at the 2026 Asian Games, marking the country’s continued presence in the discipline. The qualification follows the 2026 World Climbing Asia Championship, held in Meishan, China, from April 8 to 12, where athletes competed in three disciplines: lead, speed, and bouldering. The championship served as a key qualifying event for the Asian Games, with top performers earning spots based on their rankings.

According to the qualification rules, athletes who finished within the top six in each gender for boulder and lead, and the top eight for speed, secured spots for the Asian Games, subject to a maximum quota per gender per nation. Kazakhstan’s climbers met these criteria, ensuring their participation in Nagoya.

Indonesia and Japan Dominate Qualification

Indonesia and Japan emerged as dominant forces in the qualification process, securing the maximum allowed quotas across all three disciplines. Indonesia, a powerhouse in speed climbing, will field a full team of eight athletes, including Veddriq Leonardo, Aditya Tri Syahria, Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi, and Berthdigna Devi Surya Kusuma. Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi, in particular, made headlines during the Meishan championship by setting a new Asian Record (AsR) in the women’s speed discipline, clocking an unprecedented 6.07 seconds. She broke her own record twice in a single day, previously holding a time of 6.15 seconds from the semifinals.

Japan, meanwhile, secured a strong contingent of climbers, including Ai Mori, who achieved a perfect score of 100 points in the women’s bouldering final by flashing all boulders. Mori’s victory marked her first international win in the bouldering discipline. Other notable Japanese qualifiers include Neo Suzuki, Sorato Anraku, and Seo Chae-hyun of South Korea, who also secured top positions in their respective categories.

Medalists and Standout Performances

The 2026 World Climbing Asia Championship in Meishan produced several standout performances, with athletes from Japan, China, South Korea, and Indonesia claiming gold medals. Below is a summary of the medalists in each discipline:

• Men’s Lead: Gold – Neo Suzuki (JPN), Silver – Sorato Anraku (JPN), Bronze – Shion Omata (JPN)
• Men’s Bouldering: Gold – Lee Dohyun (KOR), Silver – Tomoa Narasaki (JPN), Bronze – Keita Dohi (JPN)
• Men’s Speed: Gold – Chu Shouhong (CHN), Silver – Zhou Ziyu (CHN), Bronze – Veddriq Leonardo (INA)
• Women’s Lead: Gold – Ai Mori (JPN), Silver – Seo Chae-hyun (KOR), Bronze – Natsumi Oda (JPN)
• Women’s Bouldering: Gold – Ai Mori (JPN), Silver – Melody Sekikawa (JPN), Bronze – Futaba Ito (JPN)
• Women’s Speed: Gold – Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi (INA), Silver – Zhou Yafei (CHN), Bronze – Qin Yumei (CHN)

The medal table reflected Japan’s dominance, with the country securing 10 medals (3 gold, 3 silver, 4 bronze). China followed with 4 medals (1 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze), while South Korea and Indonesia each earned 2 medals.

Indonesia’s Growing Influence in Sport Climbing

Indonesia’s success in securing full quotas across all three disciplines underscores the country’s growing influence in international sport climbing. The nation has long been a leader in speed climbing, a discipline in which it has consistently produced world-class athletes. The qualification of Raviandi Ramadhan and Alma Ariella Tsany in the lead discipline further demonstrates Indonesia’s expanding capabilities beyond speed climbing. Both athletes finished ninth in their respective semifinal categories, meeting the qualification criteria for the Asian Games.

The Indonesian team’s preparation for the Asian Games has drawn significant attention, with national media highlighting the athletes’ readiness to compete at the highest level. The country’s sport climbing federation has emphasized the importance of the Asian Games as a stepping stone toward future international competitions, including the 2027 World Climbing Championships.

Asian Games as a Pathway to Global Competition

The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games will serve as a critical platform for athletes aiming to qualify for the 2027 World Climbing Championships. The Asian continental champions from the Meishan event have already secured their spots in the global competition, while the Asian Games will provide additional opportunities for climbers to showcase their skills and earn further recognition.

The event will take place at a dedicated competition venue in Nagoya, Japan, with sport climbing featuring prominently in the games’ schedule. The OCA’s release of the athlete list marks a significant milestone in the lead-up to the event, setting the stage for intense competition among Asia’s top climbers.

What’s Next for Qualified Athletes

With the qualification process complete, athletes from across Asia are now focused on preparing for the Asian Games. Training regimens, national team selections, and strategic planning are underway as countries finalize their rosters. For many climbers, the Asian Games represent a chance to compete on a continental stage and gain valuable experience ahead of future international events.

The OCA’s announcement has generated excitement among fans and athletes alike, with expectations high for a competitive and memorable event in Nagoya. As the countdown to the games continues, sport climbing enthusiasts will be closely watching the performances of athletes like Ai Mori, Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi, and Veddriq Leonardo, who are poised to deliver standout performances.