World Championships: Gymnast Joseph Hatoguan's Peak Resistance

Joseph Judah Hatoguan (23) underwent podium training, an official training session held at the Indonesia Arena Stadium, Jakarta, Friday (10/17/2025). Three days later, Joseph and four other Indonesian male gymnasts will perform at the same venue.

For Joseph, the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics World Championship is not only his first opportunity to perform on a global stage in front of his home audience. This World Championship is also his first moment to showcase his skills again after being absent for the past six months due to his battle with cancer.

"There's a new code point, while my movement sequence is still the same as six months ago. But, that's okay, this is my comeback in competitive gymnastics. I just went into remission from cancer," said Joseph.

Cancer remission is a condition in which cancer cells decrease or disappear. As a result, the cancer cells are no longer detectable by medical examinations, and the symptoms diminish or vanish.

I was sad when I found out I had cancer, I thought I would stop, I would retire.

After competing in the Aceh-Sumut 2024 PON, Joseph suffered an injury to his shin. He plans to undergo surgery to address the injury that has begun to form a lump. However, during the examination, it was discovered that there were cancer cells in his body.

For 1.5 months, Joseph was hospitalized. After that, the silver medalist in the floor exercise at the 2018 ASEAN School Games has been regularly undergoing check-ups for the past six months. His lifestyle is also strictly monitored, especially his food intake.

"Before I knew about the cancer, I actually felt really good about my movements in gymnastics. That's why I was sad when I found out about the cancer; I thought I would have to stop, that I would have to retire," said Joseph.

Moreover, due to cancer, Joseph was expelled from the national training center. The bronze medalist in floor exercise at the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games has also paused intensive training.

However, a month before the World Championship, Joseph was called to the national training center to compete alongside four other male gymnasts. Joseph replaced Fajar Abdul Rohman, who was injured.

"Larasati Rengganis replaces Ameera Rahmajanni Hariadi in the women's team. Meanwhile, Joseph Judah Hatoguan joins four male gymnasts from the national training center," said the Head of Development and Achievement Division of the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation, Hesti Diwayanti, regarding the final changes in Indonesia's representatives.

During the summons, coach Joseph, Jonathan Mangiring Sianturi, first asked his protégé whether he wanted to join or not. Moreover, Joseph was somewhat disappointed because he was removed from the national training center on the grounds of his health condition.

Jonathan stated that after being removed from the national training center, they did not train intensively as they did not think they would participate in the World Championship. The doctor actually allowed Joseph to continue training as long as it was under supervision. However, due to not being in the national training center, Joseph only engaged in light training with the DKI Jakarta provincial training team.

Moreover, Joseph knows that if he decides to join, the preparation time will be short. The experience of preparing for the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games will repeat itself. In fact, gymnasts need at least three months to prepare themselves before a competition.

However, Joseph ultimately decided to join other Indonesian male gymnasts and compete in the World Championships. He wanted to participate alongside other world-class gymnasts, including the two-time Olympic gold medalist from the Paris 2024 Olympics, Carlos Yulo (Philippines).

Despite the decision, Joseph feels sad. Joseph could not truly showcase his best performance due to minimal preparation. He has only been training for the last three weeks, while four other gymnasts have been preparing for 11 months.

In light of these conditions, Jonathan does not demand much from his athlete who will compete on the floor exercise apparatus. The former national gymnast only advised Joseph to demonstrate his abilities while still prioritizing safety aspects.

Meanwhile, amidst his sorrow, Joseph tries to find wisdom in his appointment. "Perhaps this is God's plan for me after facing difficulties due to cancer," said Joseph.