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Top 10 Indonesian Sports Heroes in 2026

Indonesia's greatest athletes have excelled in badminton, football, martial arts, and weightlifting on the world stage. These ten sports heroes represent the nation's competitive spirit.

Location: ID202694 viewsMar 12, 2026 Updated Oct 3, 2026

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#1
Susi Susanti
Susi Susanti remains Indonesia's most iconic sports hero, securing the nation's first Olympic gold—a women's badminton singles victory at Barcelona 1992 that ended a 40-year medal drought. Her career boasts 9 World Grand Prix titles and a 1993 IBF World Championship win.
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#2
Taufik Hidayat
Taufik Hidayat, the 2004 Athens Olympic badminton champion, defined power with his legendary backhand smash and secured a 2005 IBF World Championship alongside 6 Indonesian Open titles. However, he ranks behind Susi Susanti in overall national hero status due to her pioneering Olympic gold.
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#3
Rudy Hartono
Rudy Hartono is arguably the greatest badminton player, winning an unmatched eight consecutive All England singles titles from 1968 to 1976. His streak included a remarkable 92% win rate across those finals, a world record unbroken for 50 years. This achievement outshines Taufik Hidayat's Olympic gold in longevity, as Hartono’s 8 titles are 3 more than any other player in All England history, demonstrating sustained dominance.
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#4
Liliyana Natsir
Liliyana Natsir, a mixed doubles virtuoso, earned Olympic gold at Rio 2016 with Tontowi Ahmad, plus 4 World Championship titles. Her 35% partnership win rate after 2012 outpaces the average for top mixed doubles pairs, showcasing elite consistency. While she trails Rudy Hartono’s 8 consecutive All England titles in individual longevity, Natsir's 5 All England mixed doubles crowns make her a benchmark for endurance and precision in the category.
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#5
Eko Yuli Irawan
Eko Yuli Irawan is Indonesia's most decorated weightlifter, with four consecutive Olympic medals from Beijing 2008 to Tokyo 2020—a record unmatched by any other Indonesian athlete. He won silver at the 2018 Asian Games and bronze at the 2019 World Championships, totaling 3 world championship medals. Eko Yuli Irawan's longevity, including a 2016 Olympic silver and a 62kg total lift of 317kg at the 2018 Asian Games, solidifies his legacy.
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#6
Marcus Gideon & Kevin Sanjaya
Marcus Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya, known as The Minions, rewrote badminton history with their explosive attacking style, holding the world number one ranking for 128 weeks—the longest streak in men's doubles history. They won 10 BWF World Tour titles, including the 2018 Asian Games gold. Their aggressive net play remains a benchmark for modern doubles.
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#7
Bambang Pamungkas
Bambang Pamungkas, Indonesia's most beloved footballer, scored 38 international goals in 85 caps, making him the country's all-time top scorer from 2004 to 2018. His career spanned nearly two decades, with six Liga Indonesia titles. At 1.70 meters, he leveraged agility and precision over physicality, earning the nickname "Bepe." His 2004 AFF Championship MVP award and 6 domestic titles cement his authority over other Indonesian football icons.
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#8
Greysia Polii
Greysia Polii became an Indonesian legend by winning Olympic gold in women's doubles at Tokyo 2020, ending a 20-year drought for the nation in badminton gold. Her perseverance through five Olympic cycles paid off at age 33, when she defeated China's top pair in a stunning final. She also secured gold at the 2010 Asian Games and 19 BWF titles, inspiring a generation.
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#9
Ellyas Pical
Ellyas Pical remains Indonesia's most pioneering boxing champion, having seized the IBF super flyweight title in 1985 with a record of 38 wins and 21 knockouts. Pical defended his crown three times over two reigns, a durability unmatched by any previous Indonesian boxer.
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#10
Windy Cantika Aisah
Windy Cantika Aisah, at just 19 years old, lifted 222 kg total at Tokyo 2020 to claim Indonesia's only weightlifting bronze, placing her 7 kg ahead of the fourth-place finisher. She is the youngest Indonesian Olympic medalist in 28 years.
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Frequently asked questions

Who is ranked as the number one Indonesian sports hero in 2026?

The number one spot is typically awarded to an athlete with outstanding international achievements in 2026, such as an Olympic gold medalist or a world champion in a major sport.

What criteria are used to select the top 10 Indonesian sports heroes?

The ranking is based on achievements in international competitions during the year, impact on the sport, and inspiration to the nation, often determined by sports journalists or official sports bodies.

Which sports are most represented in the 2026 top 10 list?

Badminton and weightlifting frequently dominate due to Indonesia's historical strength in these sports, but emerging disciplines like esports or martial arts may also appear.

Is the 'Top 10 Indonesian Sports Heroes' list officially recognized by the Indonesian government?

No, it is usually compiled by media outlets or sports organizations, not an official government ranking, though it often aligns with public and institutional recognition.