Sixteen students from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) represented the BAPOMI Yogyakarta contingent at the 19th National Student Sports Week (Pekan Olahraga Mahasiswa Nasional/POMNAS XIX) 2025, held in Central Java from Sept. 19 to 27, 2025, in Semarang and Surakarta.
From a total of 111 athletes in the Yogyakarta contingent, UGM sent 16 of its best student athletes and successfully contributed 11 medals, comprising one gold, three silver, and seven bronze. This achievement showcases that UGM students excel not only academically but also in national-level sports competitions.
UGM Director for Student Affairs, Dr. Hempri Suyatna, expressed deep appreciation for the athletes’ hard work and determination. He noted that the achievement reflects dedication, discipline, and perseverance.
“We are proud of our students’ commitment and spirit in representing both UGM and Yogyakarta on the national stage,” Dr. Suyatna stated on Friday (Oct. 3).
According to Dr. Suyatna, UGM’s participation in POMNAS is part of the university’s commitment to supporting holistic student development through the development of interests and talents. Beyond achievements, such events foster inter-university networks and provide valuable cross-regional competition experience.
One of the medalists, Fidelia Puspita Purwacahya, who won bronze in Karate Kumite -68 kg, shared her excitement over her first POMNAS experience.
“Honestly, this was my first time joining POMNAS. Back in 2023, karate wasn’t included in the event, so this time we finally had the chance to compete again. I’m really grateful I could contribute a medal,” she said.
Purwacahya was also the only UGM karate athlete to win a medal at this year’s competition.
Another medal-winning student, Bintang Daneswara from the Faculty of Engineering (FT UGM), earned three silver and one bronze medals in archery. He shared that his achievements were a result of consistent practice, despite his busy class schedule.
“Since August, I have already joined several competitions. During the semester break, I started training camp (TC) and took part in the Jaktim Grand Prix and PORDA events,” he explained.
To maintain his performance, Daneswara practiced for about an hour daily, shooting 100–200 arrows while also engaging in physical exercises.
“I practice near my house every day to keep improving my shooting skills,” he added.
The POMNAS XIX, organized by the Indonesian Talent Development Center (BPTI) under the Ministry of Higher Education, featured 17 main sports and four exhibition sports, attracting thousands of student athletes from across Indonesia. The Yogyakarta contingent secured a total of 12 gold, 21 silver, and 26 bronze medals, ranking fifth nationally, with UGM’s contribution playing a key role in this success.
Author: Salwa
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photograph: Directorate of Student Affairs