Professor Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej, chair of the Indonesian Tennis Association (PP Pelti), was runner-up in the sixteenth edition of the Kagama Cup Tennis Tournament, held at the UGM Tennis Court on Sunday (October 22).
Partnered with Yuddie, Professor Hiarej participated in the men’s doubles tennis competition in the 85-years-and-over category. The first-place winners in this category were the pair Dedi and Deo.
Meanwhile, Larsita and Lilik B were the champions of the men’s doubles for players under 55. Sugito and Bambang won the men’s doubles for players under 65.
The Chair of the Kagama Cup Tennis Tournament Committee, Wikan Sakarinto, stated that 112 participants, alumni of Universitas Gadjah Mada with tennis talent, took part in the tournament.
He mentioned that the tournament, which is regularly held each year before UGM’s anniversary, aims to enhance the camaraderie among alumni who share a passion for tennis.
“We hope that alumni will be more united and enthusiastic to participate in this tournament every year,” he said.
Sakarinto added that besides organizing tournaments among UGM alumni, they also arrange matches involving alumni from various Indonesian universities.
“We don’t only hold the Kagama Cup. We also organize tournaments between alumni, and Kagama ranks third below UNY (Yogyakarta State University) and Unnes (Semarang State University),” said Sakarinto.
“Fortunately, we achieved third place despite the other universities having alumni who are skilled players and former national athletes.”
Through this tournament, Sakarinto added, they hope to discover young players among UGM alumni who show a promising talent in tennis.
“We aim to have a younger generation of participants emerging,” he explained.
Eddy Hiarej echoed similar sentiments during the tournament’s opening. He emphasized that participation in the event wasn’t just about winning or losing but rather about the chance to gather, as it’s an eagerly anticipated opportunity for alumni each year.
“It’s not about winning or losing, but being able to get together, build camaraderie, and extend our age. Through sports, we weave unity because UGM alumni are known to be cohesive and always united,” he expressed.
The President Director of BPJS (Indonesian National Health Insurance), Ali Ghufron Mukti, mentioned that alumni sports events are an opportunity to promote a spirit of exercise to keep the body healthy and perform at its best.
“Health is not everything, but without it, nothing matters. Through sports, we maintain a healthy body so we don’t fall ill and burden BPJS,” he remarked in a lighthearted tone.
Author: Gusti Grehenson