The UGM Open Archery Championship (UOAC) Series 2, a national-level archery competition organized by UGM’s Archery Student Activity Unit, was officially opened on Wednesday (Jul. 10). The event was held from Jul. 11-14 at UGM’s Pancasila Sports Hall.
It was symbolically inaugurated by an arrow launch with the UGM Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Ajie Sujito, Head of the UGM Archery Supervisory Board, Professor Danang Parikesit, and the Chair of Perpani DIY, Bendara Pangeran Harya Kusuma Diantoro, participating in the ceremony.
This year’s biennial competition, themed “Cultural Vigor from Sports Lens,” aims to highlight that this event is not just a physical competition but also a platform to strengthen Indonesian cultural identity.
The event’s chief organizer, Ghina Septriansyah, mentioned that the competition aims to introduce UGM’s Archery to the public and attract high school students who wish to pursue their studies at UGM through the Talent Search for Outstanding Students (PBUB).
In his opening speech, Dr. Sujito expressed his appreciation for everyone involved in organizing UOAC Series 2.
He noted that archery is a sport that combines physical health and mental focus, also building a tradition of leveraging modern technological advancements.
“One of the key points of the championship is not just about winning medals but also about participating in a tournament that helps build self-awareness and contributes to development,” Dr. Sujito said.
He gave special recognition to the young participants, representing the future archers.
He emphasized that this championship, organized by UGM’s Archery, allows them to develop their talents further.
“Of course, UGM’s student activity units are committed to continuously facilitating students,” Dr. Sujito added.
He also hoped that this national-scale tournament could be held regularly and sustainably so that young people interested in archery could contribute and become future leaders who uphold character and integrity.
“The greatest strength of an athlete is honesty,” Dr. Sujito remarked.
Bendara Pangeran Harya Kusuma Bimantoro shared his hope that this event will introduce potential new athletes to indoor archery, which is currently trending.
It is known that UOAC Series 2 features eight divisions, including National U-12, U-15, National General, Compound U-15, Compound General, Recurve U-15, Recurve General, and Barebow General.
Additionally, 671 individual participants, 69 mixed teams, 72 team participants, and 117 clubs participated in the event.
Author: Leony
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang