KUDUS – Djarum Arena Kaliputu in Kudus was a hive of activity on Monday (August 17, 2026). The sharp sound of shuttlecocks being struck across several courts blended with the voices of coaches giving instructions and supporters cheering from the sidelines. Amid the flurry, young athletes waited for their matches, equipment in hand.
Some athletes arrived with their parents, while others were accompanied by coaches and club teammates. While some participants were experienced, for others, it was their first time competing in a tournament. Before taking the court, they each had their own objectives—some aimed for victory, others hoped for a trophy, and some simply wanted to experience the challenge of facing an opponent in an official competition.
This atmosphere was part of the HYDROPLUS Bupati Cup XX 2026, held from August 17-22, 2026. The badminton tournament featured participants across various age groups, ranging from early childhood and SenengMinton to junior, adult, and veteran divisions.
The HYDROPLUS Bupati Cup XX 2026 is part of the PBSI Kudus Regency Championship (Kejurkab). PBSI Kudus Secretary Raventus Pongoh stated that the tournament is a key agenda for athlete development and preparation for the upcoming Provincial Championship (Kejurprov).
“The purpose of this tournament, as part of the Regency Championship requirement, is to prepare for the Kejurprov,” Raventus explained.
This year’s event drew 620 participants across various age groups and categories. The adult division featured both singles and doubles matches.
The SenengMinton category has become a popular draw, with many participants coming from schools that are either affiliated with or have established partnerships with PBSI Kudus.
The involvement of students provides a broader platform for children who are just beginning to learn badminton. Beyond their daily training, they now have the opportunity to test their skills against opponents outside their familiar practice environment.
For young athletes, these matches serve as an early introduction to the atmosphere of competition. They encounter match rules, varied opponents, competitive pressure, and results that do not always align with expectations.
Coaches view matches as an essential element of the development process. Training sessions allow athletes to refine their technique, while competitions reveal how those skills perform against live opponents.
Angga Adinata Dwi Cahya, assistant coach for Raja Badminton Club and head coach for Langit Badminton Club, stated that youth tournaments provide a venue to identify athlete potential.
He believes that school participation in competitions helps identify children with the talent to be recruited for formal club training.
"Djarum is reaching out to schools with the goal of increasing participation. This way, we can spot talent and send them to clubs," Angga said.
In a match setting, coaches can evaluate various aspects of play, including shot technique, footwork, gameplay patterns, and shuttlecock placement—abilities that are not always fully visible during routine practices with peers or club mates.
Angga noted that the ability to read the game is also critical. Athletes with imperfect technique can still demonstrate capability through their awareness and strategic ball placement.
"Sometimes, an athlete may have subpar technique but excellent placement. It truly requires a high level of intelligence to place the ball effectively," he explained.
Facing diverse opponents also forces athletes to adapt their play, as they encounter different character styles than those seen in practice. This experience allows them to read situations and determine the appropriate approach to the game.
For young athletes, the goal of competing in a tournament is often straightforward. Mohammad Yanuar Wibowo, a third-grade student at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah (MI) Kuryatul Fikri, Pasuruhan Lor, for instance, came with a clear target: to bring home a trophy.
The nine-year-old athlete has competed in badminton tournaments twice. He was accompanied by his mother and older sibling for the event. When asked about his objective for the tournament, his answer was simple.
“To win a trophy,” he said.
Mohammad Abid Fadhil Abyan, a third-grade student at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Negeri (MIN) Kudus who plays for PB Elang Muria, brings a different perspective. The HYDROPLUS Bupati Cup XX 2026 marks his first experience competing in a badminton tournament.
Abid expressed excitement about competing. Prior to the event, he underwent regular training sessions from Monday through Saturday to prepare for his debut match.
Meanwhile, seven-year-old athlete Muhammad Arsyad Diaurrohman from MI Muhammadiyah Bae also participated with great enthusiasm. When asked about his experience in the tournament, he simply replied, “It’s fun.”
The reactions from these children highlight that a match holds different significance for every participant, whether they are chasing results, seeking new experiences, or simply enjoying the opportunity to play.
Behind the athletes on the pitch are the parents and coaches who support their journey. This involvement is evident in parents who accompany their children, wait during matches, and offer encouragement from the sidelines.
For young athletes, this support is an integral part of the competition experience. The children do not face matches alone; they carry with them the training guided by their coaches and the support of their families who bring them to the arena.
The club’s role is equally crucial in the development process. Athletes are not just prepared for a single game but participate in routine training to ensure their skills continue to grow.
Hilmawan Shubhi, a coach who is also Muhammad Arsyad’s legal guardian, sees the competitive experience as a vital part of a young athlete's development. He believes there should be sufficient opportunities for early-age competitions to allow children to test their skills more frequently.
He noted that matches should not be judged solely by trophies won. Increased match play provides athletes with greater experience in facing opponents with diverse skills and playing styles.
"Trophies and such are secondary. Experience is far more valuable than anything else," said Hilmawan.
For coaches, match results serve as a vital evaluation tool. Observing players on the field highlights areas of progress and aspects requiring further development, which are then addressed in subsequent training sessions.
The HYDROPLUS Bupati Cup XX 2026 brings together athletes from diverse backgrounds. While some participants are seasoned competitors, others are new to the scene, yet all have equal opportunity to step onto the court and challenge themselves.
For some children, the motivation may begin with winning a trophy. For others, their first match provides a vital introduction to the pressures of competition outside of regular training.
Through each match, athletes learn about technique, strategy, focus, courage, and how to handle results. These experiences are integral to their gradual development.
Consequently, youth competitions are not just about crowning a winner. Tournaments provide a crucial environment for athletes to meet opponents, benchmark their abilities, receive feedback, and resume training.
At arenas like the HYDROPLUS Bupati Cup XX 2026, while winning remains a goal, each match serves as an opportunity for young athletes to assess their progress and identify areas for improvement. (OEB/YSR/FZ/mainkekudus)
