UNS — The Mayor of Surakarta, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, opened the City Championship (Kejurkot) of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) Surakarta Mayor’s Cup in the Faculty of Sports (FKOR) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta Sports Center on Wednesday (26/1/2022).
In the occasion, Gibran was accompanied by the Chairman of PBSI Kota Surakarta, FX. Hadi Rudyatmo, Chief of Police Office (Kapolresta) Surakarta Kombes. Pol. Ade Safri Simanjuntak, Military Division Commandant (Dandim) 0735/ Surakarta Letkol (Inf) Devy Kristiono, and Dean of FKOR UNS, Dr. Sapta Kunta Purnama.
The championship for 9, 12, 16, and adult age groups was participated by 300 participants from 14 badminton clubs in Surakarta. This championship was held to search and prepare young athletes from Surakarta to compete at the provincial, national, and international levels.
In an interview with the uns.ac.id after the opening ceremony, FX. Hadi Rudyatmo stated that this event also prepared Surakarta’s athletes to face other badminton competitions in 2022. “In 9-16 June, there will be Mayor’s Cup in Central Jawa with awards exceeding the previous years,” he explained. The Chairman of PBSI Surakarta also mentioned the awards provided for the winners in this championship. “We will increase their motivation,” he added.
On a different occasion, Gibran stated that the young badminton athletes who participate in the championship have great potential. He hoped that their participation in this championship could make Surakarta proud in other competitions while shaping new athletes similar to the legendary Joko Supriyanto.
“I think many (are potentials). Good for future (athletes), so hopefully there are talents of young athletes here,” Gibran said.
Gibran vs. Fx. Hadi Rudyatmo Exhibition Match
The opening of the PBSI Surakarta City Championship Mayor’s Cup in FKOR UNS Sports Center grew excitingly following the exhibition matches among the Surakarta City Government and managing committee. Gibran participated in a match vs. FX. Hadi Rudyatmo and providing an interesting performance for the viewers.
“There is no preparation. Exhibition match does not need preparation,” he added. Humas UNS
Reporter: Y.C.A.Sanjaya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti