We expect that this POMNAS can strengthen the spirit of learning freedom. University students have the right to develop their self-potential, including in sports.
Padang, West Sumatera (ANTARA) - Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Nadiem Anwar Makarim on Thursday officially opened the National University Students Sports Week (POMNAS) XVII, which is being held in Padang from November 17–26, 2022.

"We have been waiting for POMNAS after it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it can now be held in Padang, West Sumatra," he said.

Holding such a major event has certainly not been easy. Moreover, strong commitment and resiliency were necessary for organizing it, he remarked.

"We expect that this POMNAS can strengthen the spirit of learning freedom. University students have the right to develop their self-potential, including in sports," he remarked.

Makarim then urged all parties to promote sportsmanship. The real achievement does not come from medals, the hardest task is gathering the courage to participate on a national stage such as this.

Specifically, he said that the bravery to step forward, despite the presence of fear and the possibility of losing, is valuable.

Meanwhile, the Rector of Padang State University (UNP), Ganefri, pegged the total number of participants in the event at around 8,948, comprising 3,079 athletes, 5,869 officials, and 455 referees.

The athletes will compete for 1,264 medals, comprising 368 gold, 368 silver, and 538 bronze medals.

"These medals will be fought for in 166 events, and this year's POMNAS involves 408 universities in Indonesia," he informed.

The National University Students Sports Week (POMNAS) XII is being held for 10 days and features competitions in 14 sports branches: pétanque, basketball, volleyball, athletics, taekwondo, karate, pencak silat, rock climbing, badminton, tarung derajat, futsal, swimming, tennis, and takraw.

The matches will be held at three campuses: Padang State University, Andalas University, and Padang ATI Polytechnic.

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Translator: Mario Sofia N, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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