Karisma Evi Tiarani had plenty to celebrate after racing to gold at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games on Wednesday. Yet, even as she enjoyed another major victory, the Indonesian sprinter was already thinking about how she could run faster.
The 25-year-old clocked 14.59 seconds to win the women’s 100m T63 at the Nagoya City Mizuho Athletic Stadium, finishing comfortably ahead of Japan’s Tomomi Tozawa, who took silver in 16.08 seconds, and Kaede Maegawa, who claimed bronze in 16.67.
The victory handed Indonesia its fifth gold medal of the Games and brought the country closer to its target of seven.
For Karisma, who hails from Boyolali in Central Java, the triumph was particularly satisfying after she had earlier secured bronze in the long jump.
A Champion Always Looking to Improve
Despite her convincing victory, Karisma believes she has more to offer on the track. “Actually, I’m still a little dissatisfied. Because I can’t break my personal record yet,” she said after her win.
“Of course, I’m grateful. The important thing for now is to be able to meet the target, which is to give the best first.”
Karisma’s winning time was her fastest of the season, although it remained outside the 14.26 seconds she clocked while winning silver at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. She felt a cautious start had prevented her from producing an even quicker performance.
“I was quite late in the start,” she admitted, explaining that she had been careful to avoid a false start.
“The important thing is to play safe first. But actually, it’s not right either. Because it should be all out from the start.”
Her assessment reflected the ambition of an athlete who is determined to keep improving, regardless of the medals she has already won.
Two Medals with a Special Meaning
Karisma arrived in Nagoya hoping to win at least one medal. She finished her campaign with two, exceeding her initial expectations. But beyond the results, the medals held special significance.
She dedicated both her medals to her late coach, Slamet Widodo, who passed away in September 2026, shortly before the Indonesian contingent departed for the 2026 Asian Para Games, as well as to her family and the Indonesian people.
“These two medals are especially for Mr. Slamet Widodo,” she said.
Karisma also acknowledged the encouragement she has received from her family and coaches throughout her career.
“They 100% support me,” she said.
She recalled their constant advice to remain confident, continue praying and trust the hard work she has put into her preparations. The support has been particularly important as she continues to compete at the highest level and pursue new goals.
Los Angeles 2028 the Next Big Target
Having completed her events in Nagoya, Karisma is already looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics. After taking silver in Paris, she hopes to go one better in Los Angeles.
She views competitions such as the Asian Para Games as an important part of that journey, providing opportunities to measure her progress against the best athletes in the region.
“Of course, one of them is as a stepping stone. Because this can also be my measure. To evaluate what’s missing in the future,” she explained.
Asked what she needed to do to achieve her next ambition, Karisma had a simple answer. “I have to practise harder, harder, and more diligently. Then, I have to fix the shortcomings.”
By ND Prashant, For APC
