Who would have thought that a passion for sports could lead someone to not only excel in competitions but also earn admission to their dream university? This is the story of Dirgantara Fath Sulthan Alif (19), whose dedication to tennis since the age of nine paved the way for him to study at the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) through the Talent Scouting for Outstanding Students (PBUB) for sports achievements.
Known as Dirga, his journey to UGM is one of perseverance, sincerity, and belief that big dreams are within reach, regardless of one’s background.
The young man from Purwokerto has proven that a combination of dedication and achievements can open doors to Indonesia’s top university.
Dirga embodies the spirit of a youth who excels academically while actively achieving in other areas.
“I started taking tennis seriously in third grade. That’s when I realized it was more than a hobby, it was a potential that needed to be honed,” said Dirga on Monday, Jul. 28, 2025.
He began training consistently and with discipline.
His unwavering commitment soon sharpened his abilities.
“My first provincial-level match was in fifth grade, and from that point on, I felt that tennis might really be my path,” he recalled.
His name gained recognition following several notable accomplishments.
Dirga placed third nationally in the 2019 Amman Mineral Junior Tennis Championship, second in the 2023 Central Java Regional Student Sports Week (POPDA), first in the 2024 Central Java POPDA, and second nationally in the 2025 Irawati Moerid Tennis Championship.
Every tournament became both a proving ground and a mental learning experience under pressure.
“I believe education is a top priority, but I also want to grow outside the classroom. I use any spare time I have to train, join student meetings, or participate in volunteer programs,” he explained.
Active in Organizations
At school, Dirga was known for being active and sociable.
He was involved in the student council (OSIS), flag-raising troop (Paskibra), basketball, and even served as a student brand ambassador for six months.
He managed all of this while staying committed to his academic responsibilities.
For him, personal development isn’t confined to the classroom.
“I learned to steal time, making the most of breaks between activities. Even while working as a brand ambassador, I was able to grow personally without losing my identity as a student,” he said.
Dirga’s concern for social issues was evident in his involvement with the Banyumas Children’s Forum, where he served as secretary and participated in the Banyumas Kids Takeover program.
These opportunities allowed him to gain deeper insight into societal dynamics.
“One of the most memorable experiences was interacting with students from a special needs school (SLB). That taught me the importance of empathy and understanding people with different conditions,” he reflected.
His interest in psychology grew alongside his journey as an athlete.
He experienced firsthand how the mind plays a crucial role in performance and mental resilience.
These encounters sparked his desire to better understand human behavior.
“I want to know why someone can feel anxious, strong, or happy. Psychology isn’t just about theory, it’s about touching hearts and helping others understand themselves,” the new student explained.
A Story of Family Strength
Dirga is the second of three siblings, raised in a family that upholds sincerity and hard work.
His father, Epi Yandri (51), works as a day laborer and chicken porridge vendor, while his mother, Kuswandari Tri Astuti (53), dedicates herself to caring for the household with love.
Their sacrifices and unwavering support have been Dirga’s greatest strength throughout his education.
“My parents may not have been able to help much financially, but they’ve always been there for me. I know they’ve given up so much. My dad even sold his beloved Vespa to support our education,” Dirga said.
The moment Dirga was accepted into UGM was an emotional milestone he will never forget.
During the selection process, his parents came in secret to offer their support from the sidelines. Their silent presence left a deep impression.
“I was training when I suddenly saw my mother on the sidelines. I was surprised, they came without telling me. It was a quiet kind of love, but it meant the world to me,” he shared.
For his parents, Dirga’s success in being accepted into UGM marked one of the proudest moments of their lives.
They believe that education is the most important asset for their children’s future.
Tears of joy flowed freely when the announcement came.
“We cried when we saw the announcement. It felt extraordinary, like all our struggles had finally paid off,” said Yandri.
Though initially concerned about how busy their son had become, Dirga’s parents trusted his ability to balance academics and extracurricular activities.
They hope his achievement will inspire their other children as well.
Their support remains unwavering.
“Education is number one. We want our children to become a generation better than ours,” added Astuti.
Now, Dirga looks to the future with confidence and enthusiasm.
He aims to graduate on time and pursue higher education.
Beyond academics, he hopes to give back to society through both his knowledge and organizational experiences.
“I want to prove that a child from a modest background can have big dreams and make them come true. Thank you, UGM, for this opportunity. I hope I can always uphold the university’s good name wherever I go,” he concluded with spirit.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Lintang
Photographer: Devi