KUDUS – The Bung Karno Sports Hall (GOR) in Kudus is serving as the venue for the 2026 Independence Futsal League (IFL). The competition features male and female student teams from middle (SMP/MTs) and high school (SMA/MA/SMK) levels across Kudus Regency.
Since the tournament's inception, the sports hall has been filled with the sound of whistles, coaching instructions, and cheers from students supporting their respective school teams. Players have been executing strategic plays, while spectators observe the matches from the stands and courtside.
For the participants, the IFL provides a vital opportunity to test their abilities in a competitive environment. The tournament allows players to apply training, foster teamwork, and adapt to the pressures of match play.
Muhammad Fariz Maulana, a player for MTs Qudsiyyah, has been playing futsal since 2023. During that time, he has competed in more than seven tournaments, including an event in Batam.
Despite his experience, Fariz remains enthusiastic about participating in the IFL, noting that every tournament offers a unique set of challenges and atmosphere.
"It is an amazing experience and I am very happy to be part of this competition," Fariz said.
Before competing at GOR Bung Karno, Fariz and his teammates trained two to three times a week. The team's preparation focused not only on basic technique, strategy, and physical fitness, but also on mental resilience.
Fariz views mental toughness as a critical component of futsal. Players must remain composed under pressure, make split-second decisions, and perform while being watched by a crowd.
"If you only rely on skill without the right mindset, you will become nervous on the court," he explained.
According to Fariz, competitive experience has helped him better understand game situations. While individual skill remains essential, players must also read the game effectively, communicate with teammates, and maintain concentration until the final whistle.
MTs Qudsiyyah secured a win in the day's match. Fariz expressed pride in representing his school and delivering a positive result for the team.
"I am proud to represent Qudsiyyah and to have won today's match," he said.
The presence of supporters significantly added to the tournament's vibrant atmosphere. From the sidelines, students rallied for their respective school teams with cheers, chants, and applause.
Muhammad Al Fatih Zaidan was among the students who came to support SMP 3 Kudus. He attended with five friends, joining dozens of other students supporting the team, known locally as "Spega."
"We are here to support Spega so they can win," he said.
For Fatih, watching his schoolmates compete in person offered a unique experience, allowing him to observe the match up close while rallying for his team.
It marked his first experience as a supporter in a tournament like the IFL. He attended voluntarily rather than due to a mandatory school activity.
"It’s very exciting," he said.
Fatih noted that the futsal tournament is compelling because it brings many students together. Beyond watching the games, it provides an opportunity for students to socialize and show school spirit.
For Fatih, the event serves as a platform to connect with friends, offer support, and watch live competitive play.
Kanaya explained that Paspen members typically receive match schedule updates through a dedicated group. Once the schedule is confirmed, they coordinate to gather and travel together to the venue. The inclusion of alumni further boosts the number of supporters in attendance.
“It’s very exciting and fun. It allows us to support our friends,” said one Paspen member.
At the Bung Karno Sports Hall, the Paspen support was audible through chants and drum accompaniment. They followed the match closely from the start, reacting to every scoring opportunity and goal created by the SMP 1 Kudus team.
The match concluded with a 3-0 victory for SMP 1 Kudus, a result celebrated enthusiastically by the supporters on the sidelines.
For Paspen, supporting the team goes beyond just waiting for the final score; they view it as an opportunity to show up for their friends representing the school on the field.
They also shared a message for the competing players.
“Great job. Keep up the spirit,” said a Paspen member.
From the team perspective, coaches closely monitor the flow of the match. Player responsiveness to instructions, errors made, and the ability to maintain the game’s rhythm are evaluated throughout the tournament.
MTs Qudsiyyah coach, Nor Ahlis, stated that his team had been eagerly anticipating the 2026 IFL. Preparations included training sessions twice a week, and many players have been accustomed to participating in tournaments since seventh grade.
According to Nor, building a habit of competing is essential for the development of school-aged players. Official matches allow players to navigate situations more complex than those experienced during internal team practice.
“It is extremely helpful. Futsal tournaments like this hone their interests and ensure their training does not go to waste,” he said.
He explained that competition provides players with the opportunity to test their training results directly. On the field, they are required to collaborate, follow instructions, manage pressure from opponents, and maintain focus until the final whistle.
For coaches, match results are important, but the experience gained during tournaments is also a vital part of the development process. Players can identify aspects of their game that require improvement after facing opponents from other schools.
The IFL highlights that student-level futsal matches involve a collaborative effort far beyond the players on the court. The ecosystem includes athletes applying their school training, dedicated coaches overseeing development, faculty supervisors, and students rallying as supporters.
Each participant plays a vital role in shaping the competitive atmosphere. Players compete on the court, coaches provide tactical guidance, and supporters energize their respective school teams.
For Fariz, the IFL provides valuable match experience and serves as a test of mental fortitude. For Fatih, the tournament offered his first experience as a spectator. Meanwhile, for the Paspen group, attending the SMP 1 Kudus match was a key part of their ongoing support for their school.
The Bung Karno Sports Hall has become more than just a competition venue; it is a hub for students from diverse schools to connect, whether as athletes, staff, or spectators.
As the matches conclude, players and supporters leave the sports hall with their own unique takeaways. Some teams depart with a victory, some athletes take home key areas for evaluation, and others leave with the satisfaction of having backed their school.
The IFL 2026 serves as a key platform for Kudus students to compete, gain experience, and foster athletic camaraderie between schools. (OEB/YSR/FZ/mainkekudus)
