Indonesian para archers Setiawan, Wahyu Retno Wulandari, Teodora Audi Atudia, Ken Swagumilang, and Kholidin. GETTY IMAGES

Five Indonesian archers, each of whom has overcome the loss of a limb, are preparing to win the gold medal at the upcoming Paris Paralympic Games. This is the first time that athletes from the Asian country have qualified in this category for the event and the team is eager to make history.

Among the team is Ken Swagumilang, who lost his leg to bone cancer and will compete in the men’s compound standing category. Describing their qualification as a monumental achievement, Ken expressed immense pride in what the team has accomplished. With unwavering support from their families and the government, these athletes are determined to etch their names into the annals of sports history.

The group comprises both male and female archers, competing in recurve and compound events across standing and wheelchair categories. Ken, who claimed a bronze medal at the 2022 Asian Para Games, is aiming to surpass his previous success, with his ultimate goal set on capturing gold. "The dream is to stand on the highest podium," he declared, capturing the team’s relentless drive.

Indonesian para archer Teodora Audi Atudia. GETTY IMAGES
Indonesian para archer Teodora Audi Atudia. GETTY IMAGES

Years of rigorous training have culminated in remarkable performances at recent international competitions. The team’s haul of two golds at the Para-Archery World Ranking Event in the Czech Republic, along with two bronzes at the 2022 Asian Para Games, has fueled their confidence as they approach the Paralympics.

A standout member of the team, Kholidin, will compete in the recurve men’s standing event. After losing his right arm in an accident, he developed the extraordinary skill of drawing his bow with his teeth, a feat that required immense dedication to master. "We’re here to prove our strength and resilience," Kholidin affirmed, showcasing the indomitable spirit of the team.

The Indonesian government has been instrumental in supporting the team’s journey, ensuring their participation in international events. While the Indonesian National Paralympic Committee (NPC) has not imposed specific medal expectations, the archers have set their sights high. "Our aim is nothing less than gold," Kholidin asserted with confidence.

Kholidin using his mouth to shoot at the national team's training. GETTY IMAGES
Kholidin using his mouth to shoot at the national team's training. GETTY IMAGES

As the Paralympics draw near, some team members have already traveled to Europe to acclimate to the cooler climate, a stark contrast to the tropical heat they are accustomed to. "We’ve been training rigorously to adapt to different temperatures," Ken noted, underscoring their meticulous preparation.

Teodora Audi Atudia, who lost the use of her lower body in a car accident during her school years, is another pivotal member of the team. What began as a way to strengthen her arms has evolved into a journey to compete on the world’s grandest stage for para-athletes. "There’s always hope for a brighter future," Audi reflected, aspiring to inspire others through her story.

As they prepare alongside their teammates Setiawan and Wahyu Retno Wulandari to represent Indonesia, these archers are not only pursuing medals but also striving to elevate the status of Indonesian athletes on the global stage.