ASEAN Sports Day 2026 to be held in Sleman, promoting sports diplomacy

Sleman, in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, is set to host the ASEAN Sports Day 2026 from August 31 to September 6, with additional events on September 20 and 27. Themed 'Active Youth Healthy Future,' the event promises a blend of sports, cultural, educational, and economic activities.

Yayat Suyatna, Assistant Deputy for Community Sports at Indonesia's Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora), stated that the event transcends mere sports. It serves as a platform for ASEAN community interaction and aims to bolster sports diplomacy. Participants from 11 ASEAN countries, along with China, Japan, and South Korea, will engage with the local Yogyakarta community.

Kemenpora plans to leverage the event to campaign for the 'Gerakan Masyarakat Aktif dan Bugar' (Gemar) movement, promoting active and healthy living. Public spaces, including 'Car Free Day' events, will be utilized for sports activities to foster community interaction. Suyatna emphasized that the success of ASEAN Sports Day will be measured not just by participation numbers during the event, but by its lasting impact on encouraging regular physical activity among the youth and the broader community.

Addressing concerns about declining physical activity among young people, Suyatna highlighted the need for sustained engagement beyond the event. Kemenpora will collaborate with universities, youth communities, and local governments to expand sports participation. The ministry advocates for sports activities that are accessible, affordable, and enjoyable to ensure their routine adoption. Akbar Mia, an official from Kemenpora, added that ASEAN Sports Day originated from a desire to activate community sports participation and preserve traditional sports, with member states obligated to commemorate ASEAN's anniversary through such initiatives.