SEA Games 2025 Sport Climbing: Young Climbers, Big Dreams

The 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, hosted across Thailand, featured an exciting lineup of sports — with sport climbing (panjat tebing) standing out as one of the most thrilling competitions. Held at the Bangkok Sport Climbing Center, climbing events included lead, boulder, and speed disciplines for both men and women, showcasing athleticism, strategy, and nerve-racking technical skill.

Indonesia’s Climbing Powerhouse Performance

Indonesia emerged as a dominant force in sport climbing at SEA Games 2025. On December 12, Indonesian climber Alma Ariella Tsany captured gold in the women’s lead event, a performance that electrified both fans and teammates alike. Her compatriot Sukma Lintang Cahyani claimed silver, underlining Indonesia’s strength in this discipline.

In the men’s lead event, Ardana Cikal Damarwulan clinched top honors with a commanding score, edging out competitors from the host nation and further solidifying Indonesia’s medal haul. Alongside teammates, they added crucial points to Indonesia’s overall tally at the games.

These podium performances underline not only individual excellence but also the depth and preparation of Indonesia’s squad — which featured 18 athletes competing across all climbing categories.

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Youth and Experience: A Balanced Climbing Team

A key theme for the Indonesian team was investing in young talent. Coaches prioritized emerging climbers — including speed specialists and lead contenders — to gain valuable regional competition experience and build momentum for future international events. This youth focus has helped cultivate a dynamic and resilient squad ready for the next generation of challenges.

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Competition Format and Highlights

The sport climbing schedule at the SEA Games spanned several days, with lead, boulder, and speed tests providing both variety and excitement. Qualifying rounds kicked off in the morning, followed by intense finals that pushed climbers to reach new heights — both literally and figuratively.

Each discipline tested different climbing skills:

• Lead — athletes climb long, technical routes for maximum height.
• Boulder — short, powerful sequences requiring agility.
• Speed — head-to-head races against the clock.

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Looking Ahead: SEA Games & Beyond

Sport climbing’s inclusion at the SEA Games continues to elevate the discipline across Southeast Asia. With young athletes making their mark and veteran climbers displaying tenacity, the 2025 competition has set a high bar for future editions and international climbs ahead.