Jakarta, Oct. 19 -- Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Taufik Hidayat said the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships would help develop local talent and strengthen the country's athletic competitiveness.

"I hope this world championships, the first ever held in Indonesia, can become an opportunity to scout and nurture our young gymnasts," he said at the opening ceremony on Sunday.

The event, held at Indonesia Arena in Jakarta, marks the first time the world championships have taken place in Indonesia or Southeast Asia.

Chairperson of the Indonesian National Olympic Committee (NOC Indonesia) Raja Sapta Oktohari described the event as historic and said it should serve as inspiration for athletes nationwide.

He encoura...