1,338 athletes compete at provincial Student Games in HSS

South Kalimantan Governor H Sabirin Noor opens the provincial Student Games (Popda) 2024 at Lambung Mangkurat Field, Kandangan, South Hulu Sungai Regency, Monday, May 13, 2024. (Antara/HO-Diskominfo HSS)

Kandangan, South Kalimantan (ANTARA) - As many as 1,338 athletes took part in the South Kalimantan Provincial Student Games (Popda) with South Hulu Sungai (HSS) District as a host held from May 13 to 19, 2024.

Popda, which is organized by the provincial government through South Kalimantan Youth and Sports Office (Dispora) in collaboration with HSS government and attended by athletes from 13 districts and cities throughout the province.

"Welcome and cogratulation to all student athletes who come from various regions in South Kalimantan. Show your best abilities and high fightng spirit and never give up,” said Governor H Sahbirin Noor, when opening the event at Lambung Mangkurat Stadium, Kandangan, Monday.

Popda, he said, is a vehicle to capture potential and outstanding athlete. In fact many talented and accomplished athletes were scouted from Popda.

He emphasized that participants competing in Popda should not waste valuable opportunities, so they can show their best abilities.

“I also have high hope that this Popda should not stop only at events, but there must be a follow-up to the nursery and coaching that is carried out consistently,” he pointed out.

Previously, Head of Dispora Hermansyah, who is also acting Regent of HSS, thanked Governor H. Sahbirin Noor for attending and officiating the Popda.

"Popda 2024 contested eight sports with 1,338 athletes participating, competing for 206 medals, consisting of 55 gold, 55 silver, and 96 bronze," he expounded.

The eight sports are basketball at Amandit Utama basketball court, volleyball at indoor volleyball court, Ganda Stadium.

Then, badminton at the Sport Art Building (Gedung Olahraga Seni), football at 2 Desember Stadium, sepak takraw at Sepak Takraw Bamban Building.

Tennis at Tumpang Talu Tennis Court, boxing at Antaludin Tennis Court, pencak silat at Martial Art Building (Gedung Bela Diri), Ganda Stadium.

Also attending the opening ceremony were acting Chairwoman of HSS PKK driving team Rusnawati Hermansyah, provincial and district leadership coordination forum (forkompinda), HSS Regional Secretary, assistants of administration, heads of OPD HSS, referees, officials, and all athletes.