Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Professor Ova Emilia, officially opened the “UGM TENNIS: Fun For Healthy Campus” event, an inter-staff tennis tournament organized by the UGM Tennis Association on Sunday (Feb. 15) at Lembah UGM Outdoor Tennis Court. The event was inaugurated by the rector, who hit a tennis ball onto the court, followed by a group photo session and an exhibition match.
This year’s tennis tournament drew nearly 50 participants, including faculty members, educational staff, and retired employees. The event aims to support the Health Promoting University (HPU) initiative by balancing work and exercise while strengthening ties among members of the academic community.
Professor Ova Emilia emphasized the importance of a holistic concept of health, encompassing not only physical well-being but also mental and social aspects fostered through interaction and togetherness in sports activities, as reflected in this tennis tournament.
According to her, tennis serves as a platform to maintain this balance while reinforcing unity within the academic community.
“Health must be understood comprehensively, not only in terms of physical well-being but also mental and social health. Through activities such as tennis, we not only exercise but also interact and maintain connections as part of our shared well-being,” she said.
Meanwhile, Chair of the UGM Tennis Association, Professor Kuncoro Harto Widodo, noted that enthusiasm for the tournament has continued to grow each year.
The number of participants increased from around 38 last year to nearly 50 this year. He also expressed appreciation for the support provided by university leaders, faculties, and partners in organizing the event.
Professor Widodo expressed hope that the tournament would continue to serve as a gathering platform and strengthen the value of togetherness through tennis.
“We organize this activity to support the Health Promoting University program, creating a balance between work, exercise, and happiness, while also fostering solidarity and camaraderie across campus,” he remarked.
One of the participants, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB UGM) lecturer Heru Marwata, also helped enliven the tournament.
He viewed the event not only as a sporting competition but as a space for members of the academic community to meet and build closer relationships. He hopes that in the future, the tournament will attract more enthusiasts and encourage the emergence of accomplished campus tennis players.
“I hope more tennis enthusiasts will join and help develop this activity. May it continue in the years to come. Even if it is not highly professional yet, hopefully one day it can produce outstanding players capable of competing in important tournaments or invitation matches in Indonesia,” he concluded.
The event continued with exhibition matches, with participants divided into several groups representing the values of Inclusiveness, Independence, Sustainability, and Solidarity, symbolizing togetherness in carrying out the activity.
These groupings reflect the core values upheld by Universitas Gadjah Mada and reaffirm the importance of unity in sports activities.
Author: Cyntia Noviana
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photographer: Jesi