The Shiro Copr, SEMARANG – The Provincial Government of Central Java through the Department of Youth, Sports, and Tourism (Disporapar) continues to finalize preparations for the National Student Sports Festival (POPNAS) 2025.
One of the efforts made is by organizing the Regional Student Sports Week (POPDA), which now covers levels from elementary school (SD), junior high school (SMP), to senior high school (SMA) and equivalent levels.
The Head of Sports at Disporapar Jateng, Suci Baskorowati, expressed her pride over the POPDA this time which brought together young potential athletes. She mentioned that these young athletes are the hope for the future, who will one day replace the senior athletes.
According to him, this is part of the athlete regeneration process that is being prepared to perform at the national level. In the 2023 POPNAS, Central Java managed to secure fourth place nationally, still below DKI Jakarta, West Java, and East Java.
Therefore, the goal moving forward is to maintain that position, and if possible, surpass previous achievements.
Regarding the results of the 2025 POPDA, the Disporapar side hopes to obtain more accurate data and mapping of athletes.
"Hopefully, the results from POPDA and the Junior Provincial Championships can provide a clearer picture for the sports we rely on, including shooting," said Suci Baskorowati on Tuesday (June 17).
Nevertheless, the implementation of POPDA is not without various challenges. Several criticisms and suggestions have emerged from the regions, particularly concerning the number of competitions and levels that are not all accommodated. This is due to the budget limitations held by the provincial government.
"Many have asked why this number is not being competed, why that level is not available. But yes, we are realistic, it is impossible to satisfy all parties. We are trying our best," he said.
Meanwhile, the selection process for athletes for POPNAS is not yet complete. Although medal winners from POPDA have a high chance, further selection will still be conducted to determine who is eligible to join the core team. This process also depends on the availability of funding, which is currently in the efficiency phase.
It is also mentioned that the POPDA title this year is different compared to previous years. After the COVID-19 pandemic, early years of POPDA were only participated by high school level. However, starting from 2024, based on aspirations of regencies/cities, primary and junior high school levels will gradually be involved again.
"Starting in 2024 we will restore the primary and junior high school levels, and by this year (2025) it will be complete. This is important for early age development," he explained.
The enthusiasm of regencies/cities towards POPDA is considered very high. Many have proposed additional sports branches or events. This is seen as a positive signal that the passion for student sports in Central Java continues to grow and must be gradually facilitated.
Despite all limitations, Central Java remains optimistic about POPNAS 2025. The local government hopes that athlete student coaching can become more equitable and of higher quality to achieve commendable achievements at the national level.
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