Papua Governor Opens 2026 Regional Athletics Championship
pada tanggal
Minggu, 28 Juni 2026
JAYAPURA, LELEMUKU.COM – Papua Governor Matius Fakhiri officially opened the 2026 Regional Athletics Championship at Mandala Stadium on Thursday (18/6/2026).
The three-day sporting event will run from June 18 to June 20, 2026. It serves as a strategic platform for athlete development, talent scouting, and evaluating training results across the province to prepare for future national and international competitions, including the 2028 National Sports Week.
A total of 230 athletes, comprising 160 male and 70 female competitors, are participating in the championship. They represent seven regional contingents of the All Indonesia Athletics Association from Jayapura City, Keerom, Jayapura Regency, Sarmi, Yapen, Waropen, and Biak Numfor.
The athletes will compete in the Under-18, Under-21, and senior age categories. The competition features various track and field events, including 100-meter, 200-meter, and 400-meter sprints, middle and long-distance runs, relays, as well as field events like long jump, triple jump, high jump, shot put, and javelin throw.
Governor Fakhiri emphasized that the championship is not merely about winning medals or titles. He stated that the event aims to nurture young, healthy, and strong athletes with integrity who can compete positively at higher levels while fostering brotherhood among regions in Papua.
"Through this championship, we hope to produce young athletes who are healthy, strong, of good character, and possess integrity, capable of competing positively to bring glory to Papua at the national and international levels, such as the Pre-National Sports Week, National Sports Week, SEA Games, and even the Olympics," said Fakhiri.
He also expressed his appreciation to the coaches and officials for their dedication and patience in guiding the young Papuan athletes. Fakhiri added that this initiative aligns with the regional development vision to create a smart, prosperous, and harmonious Papua, while strengthening synergy between the local government, sports organizations, the business sector, and the community.
The Governor urged all participants to use the event as a momentum to build character, discipline, self-confidence, and sportsmanship. He hopes the championship will successfully produce the best athletes who will make Papua and Indonesia proud in the future. (Elo)