After the conclusion of the 21st National Sports Week (PON) on September 20th, it is now time for junior athletes to prepare for the National Student Sports Week (Popnas) next year. However, before that, student athletes will participate in the pre-Popnas scheduled to take place this year.
The Youth and Sports Agency (Dispora) of East Kalimantan has taken steps to prepare for the pre-Popnas, including organizing several inter-school championships in East Kalimantan packaged in the Governor’s Cup tournament.
These events also serve as a selection process to choose the best athletes who will represent East Kalimantan. So far, Dispora has organized two Governor’s Cup championships, namely in pencak silat and basketball.
„In addition to developing the talents of school-age children, especially high school students, the second goal is to prepare athletes to participate in championships, both single events and multi-events, as well as the pre-Popnas Zone IV in Kendari,“ said Rasman, Head of the Sports Achievement Improvement Division of Dispora East Kalimantan, during the opening of the pencak silat championship a few days ago.
Rasman hopes that through inter-school championships like this, standout athletes from East Kalimantan will emerge who can compete at a higher level. This championship also serves as a platform for continuous development.
„Our hope is that from here, student athletes will emerge who will represent East Kalimantan in the 2028 PON,“ added Rasman. Similar hopes were also expressed by Acting Governor Akmal Malik through a speech read by the Head of Dispora East Kalimantan, Agus Hari Kesuma.
„Hopefully, from this event, athletes will emerge who can bring glory to East Kalimantan, both nationally and internationally,“ said Agus expressing the Acting Governor’s hopes.
The efforts put in by Dispora East Kalimantan to nurture and develop young talents in sports are commendable. By providing platforms like the Governor’s Cup tournament, they are not only preparing athletes for future competitions but also instilling a sense of pride and dedication in representing their region.
As we look forward to the upcoming pre-Popnas and Popnas events, it is exciting to see the potential that these young athletes hold. With the right guidance and support, they may very well become the future stars of East Kalimantan, making their mark on the national and international sports stage.