Salsabilla Hadi Pamungkas: Competing in the World Championships is My Tribute to Naufal
Oct 15 2025
LOC/Arie
Salsabilla Hadi Pamungkas. (JAGOC)
Indonesian gymnast, Salsabilla Hadi Pamungkas, can’t wait to take part in the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championship 2025, which will be held in Jakarta, from October 19 to 25.
As Indonesia prepares to host its first-ever world championships, Salsabilla has been pushing herself harder in training, fine-tuning every routine to make sure she’s ready when the spotlight hits.
Guided by coaches Zahari and Eva Butarbutar, Salsabilla and teammate, Alarice Malliza Vilobianne, trained in Doha, Qatar, from August 28 to September 30, 2025, before testing their routines at the Pharaoh’s Cup in Cairo, Egypt, from September 18 to 21.
The gymnast, who brought home two golds, one silver, and one bronze for East Java at the 21st National Sports Week (PON) 2024 in Aceh and North Sumatra, said she feels even more motivated to compete at the upcoming world championships.
She wants to dedicate her performance to her fellow national team gymnast Naufal Takdir Al Bari, who passed away during the training camp in Penza, Russia, last month.
Here is a brief interview with Salsabila conducted by the LOC media team:
How are your preparations for the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships 2025?
I’m feeling more and more prepared. Now it’s just about finalizing everything since the world championships is just around the corner.
What’s your goal for the upcoming championships?
My goal is to perform at my best, with full confidence and to enjoy every moment of my routines. This will be my first time competing at world championships. I’m really excited to be there and meet Olympic-level athletes in person.
What’s been the most memorable moment in your gymnastics journey so far?
There have been so many, but one of the most memorable was at the last PON, when I won gold and got the chance to immediately join the national training team.
How do you see the progress of gymnastics in Indonesia today?
In my opinion, gymnastics in Indonesia has grown so much. We’re now receiving great support from the federation and the government. Indonesian gymnastics is also starting to gain international recognition, especially through Kak Rifda [Irfanaluthfi], who became Indonesia’s first Olympic gymnast.
How would you describe the late Naufal, and what kind of tribute do you want to give him at the world championships?
Naufal was a kind, humble, and passionate person. We always supported each other in the national training camp. My participation in the world championships is my tribute to him. All of us want to give our best, continue what he started, and carry on his dream.
Source : Federasi Gimnastik Indonesia
