During the opening ceremony held at Diponegoro University in Semarang, Central Java, on Friday (September 19), Higher Education, Science, and Technology Minister Brian Yuliarto expressed hope that the 19th Pomnas would help produce future national athletes.
"We hope that this Pomnas will give birth to professional national athletes while also building awareness among college students about the importance of achievement in sports," he noted in a statement cited here on Saturday.
He emphasized that this year’s Pomnas is envisioned as a strategic event to scout potential talents and pave the way for young athletes to reach the professional level.
According to him, the biennial multi-sport event is part of the government’s efforts to sharpen students’ capacity in sports and enable them to shine on both national and international stages.
"In addition to doing your best to pursue careers and achievements academically, you are also expected to show your pride and skills as accomplished athletes," Yuliarto told students.
The minister also extended his appreciation to all stakeholders involved in preparing and hosting the 2025 Pomnas.
For his part, Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi encouraged Indonesian students to aim for achievements that bring positive impacts on society.
"More than a competition, Pomnas is an event that promotes sportsmanship, friendship, and unity among Indonesian students," he said.
Scheduled to run until September 27, Pomnas XIX is co-hosted by eight universities in Semarang and Surakarta, with Diponegoro University serving as the coordinator.
The event brings together 3,065 athletes and 1,091 officials from 36 provinces, competing in 17 sports: athletics, basketball, volleyball, beach volleyball, badminton, chess, karate, archery, sport climbing, pencak silat, petanque, swimming, sepak takraw, taekwondo, tarung derajat, tennis, and wushu.
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Translator: Sean F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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