In the world of sports, an athlete’s performance is often associated with the equipment they use, from bows and rackets to running shoes. However, for Kholidin, an Indonesian para archer, one of the most important elements supporting his performance is actually his teeth and mouth.

Through the “Bite Into Glory” collaboration, Pepsodent provides oral health support tailored to Kholidin’s specific needs as a para archer who uses his bite in his archery technique. This support includes professional periodontal care in Solo, as well as improvements to his oral care routine designed to help maintain his overall oral health as he prepares for the 2026 Para Games.

This initiative offers a new perspective on the role of oral health, which is important not only for everyday protection and prevention, but can also support athletes’ performance and achievements.

Since 2017, Kholidin has continued to pursue the sport he loves with determination and perseverance. Through years of training, experimentation, and refining his technique, he successfully developed a technique that enables him to draw and release the bowstring using his mouth and teeth.

During periods of intensive training, Kholidin usually releases around 250 to 500 arrows per day, and as many as 600 arrows during peak training phases. This intensity means that his teeth, gums, and jaw repeatedly support the mechanism required to draw and release the bowstring.

Photo: Unilever Indonesia
“I realise that the way I shoot now is no longer the same as before, but my love for this sport has never changed. For me, the most important thing is to keep finding ways to improve. Every training session, every process, and every improvement motivates me to keep moving forward,” said Kholidin.

Therefore, maintaining oral health is no longer merely part of Kholidin’s daily routine, but has also become important for maintaining one of the main elements supporting his performance as an athlete.

“Kholidin’s story shows how consistency, hard work, and perseverance can encourage an athlete to continue developing and achieving success. For Kholidin, his teeth and mouth are not only important for his everyday health, but are also an important part of the technique he has developed for training and competing. Through the ‘Bite Into Glory’ collaboration, Pepsodent is proud to support Kholidin in maintaining his oral health while accompanying him on his journey towards the international stage. This collaboration is unique because we are not only supporting the sport he pursues, but also helping to maintain an important part that supports his technique. Kholidin himself has been using Pepsodent for a long time, so this collaboration has felt like a natural step from the beginning. We thank him for trusting Pepsodent to be part of his journey,” said Rikka Anggitha, Oral Care Category Lead, Unilever Indonesia.

“Given the intensity of Kholidin’s training and the use of his teeth and mouth as part of his archery technique, maintaining the health of his gums and dental tissues is very important. Appropriate periodontal care can help maintain his oral health in an optimal and strong condition, enabling him to continue training well as he prepares for international competition,” said dr. Mirah, Pepsodent Expert.

Photo: Unilever Indonesia
As the 2026 Para Games, which will take place from 18–24 October 2026 in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, approach, Kholidin continues to strengthen his preparations through focused and consistent training, as well as a commitment to continuously improve his performance.

“For me, every competition is an opportunity to learn, evaluate myself, and continue developing. My technique may be different, but my ambition as an athlete remains the same: to become better every day and give my best for Indonesia. I have been using Pepsodent for years, and this support and collaboration have become increasingly meaningful to me as I pursue bigger goals on my journey as an athlete,” said Kholidin.

Through ongoing care and support, Pepsodent and Kholidin are committed to continuing to maintain healthy teeth and gums that can support training, competition, and the journey towards achievement at the international level.

“We hope that the ‘Bite Into Glory’ initiative and the support provided by Pepsodent will serve as a reminder that oral health is not only about having a healthy smile, but can also be the foundation for the self-confidence that encourages every individual to dream bigger and achieve their best. We are proud to accompany Kholidin on his journey while celebrating his spirit and perseverance, which can inspire us all,” concluded Rikka. (Edi Triyono)

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