Kudus Serves as Second Home for Central Java Pre-POPDA Zone III Athletes
KUDUS – The Central Java Zone III Pre-POPDA serves as a vital platform for student-athletes to test their skills and compete for spots at the provincial level. Each match carries specific objectives, supported by rigorous training and high expectations from every participating contingent.
In 2026, the Central Java Zone III Pre-POPDA was held in Kudus Regency from July 20–23, featuring five regencies from the former Pati Residency: Kudus, Pati, Jepara, Rembang, and Blora. The official opening ceremony took place at the Kudus Regency Pendopo, signaling the start of a series of matches held at various venues.
The Bung Karno Gymnasium at the Kudus Sport Center hosted basketball, while indoor volleyball events were centered at the Porvit and Rajawali Volleyball Courts. Soccer matches were held at Porma Field, Mlati Norowito, and Tanjungkarang Field, with the Kudus Sport Center Multifunction Building and the SMAN 2 Bae Kudus indoor court serving as venues for sepak takraw.
Distributing match locations throughout the city heightened the competitive atmosphere. For student-athletes, this event is not merely a regional competition, but a crucial stage for demonstrating their training and securing a ticket to the Central Java POPDA.
Beyond the scoreboard, the experience often leaves a lasting impression. For the athletes and officials visiting Kudus for the 2026 Central Java Zone III Pre-POPDA, the city offered more than just its facilities. During their stay in the "City of Kretek," they found their competitive journey made all the more welcoming and memorable.
Beyond the Playing Field
The Central Java Zone III Pre-POPDA was officially opened by Kudus Regent Sam’ani Intakoris on Monday (7/20/2026). Through July 22, 2026, student-athletes from Kudus, Jepara, Pati, Rembang, and Blora competed in four sports: basketball, indoor volleyball, soccer, and sepak takraw.
Events were spread across several locations. Basketball took place at the Bung Karno Gymnasium, indoor volleyball at Porvit, soccer at Tanjungkarang Field, and sepak takraw at the SMAN 2 Bae Kudus indoor court. This venue distribution ensured that each sport had a facility tailored to its requirements.
In his remarks, Sam’ani encouraged athletes to use the competition as a learning opportunity to build character. He emphasized that sportsmanship is essential in developing athletes who can advance to higher levels of competition.
He expressed hope that all matches would be played fairly, producing the best talent to represent Central Java in future rounds. Additionally, he highlighted the critical role of coaches in identifying and nurturing young talent to ensure a sustainable development process.
Kudus Welcomes Its Guests
For participants, the first impression of a host city is often formed the moment they arrive. Access to venues, the greeting by organizers, and the quality of facilities are key factors that shape their overall competitive experience.
Muhammad Rizki Nazaruddin, a volleyball athlete from Pati Regency, shared this sentiment during his stay in Kudus. According to Rizki, while competition remains the primary objective, the hospitality he received throughout the event made the experience much more comfortable.
He praised the venue’s comprehensive facilities, noting the clean playing conditions, availability of rest areas, and the disciplined execution of the match schedule. For him, the organizers proved effective in maintaining the competition timeline without delays.
Beyond the court, Rizki found another reason to revisit the city.
Culinary tourism was a highlight of his trip, as he enjoyed exploring various local specialties. This experience was particularly meaningful as it was not his first visit; he previously attended the Dandangan tradition near the Simpang Tujuh Town Square, and the vibrancy of that event remains a lasting memory.
Given these positive experiences, he stated he would gladly return to compete in Kudus again.
Comfort Encourages Repeat Visits
A similar sentiment was expressed by M. Rega Ardian Hidayatullah, a volleyball player representing Jepara Regency. Representing his region is a personal point of pride, but competing in a high-energy atmosphere offers a vastly different experience than daily training.
He expressed enthusiasm for the large crowds filling the venue, noting how the spirited atmosphere brings every match to life.
In addition to the well-maintained court, Rega credited the availability of transit areas and other supporting facilities for allowing athletes to manage their competition schedules more effectively.
Between matches, he took the time to enjoy Soto Kudus for the first time. The bowl of warm, flavorful broth proved to be a culinary experience that left an immediate impression.
His journey then continued to the Menara Kudus area. For Rega, the area offered a distinct atmosphere. He views Kudus as a city with deep religious roots and a welcoming environment that makes him eager to visit again.
The Sporting Spirit Ignites
The competitive atmosphere was also felt by Ahmad Wajih Wijdani, a sepak takraw athlete from Jepara. For him, the matches were more vibrant with stands packed with supporters cheering throughout the games.
The cheering crowds brought the matches to life and served as a catalyst for the athletes' performance on the field.
Outside of competition, Ahmad noted the warmth of the local community. He described the city as friendly, picturesque, and highly enthusiastic about sports.
This experience has become an inseparable part of the story he will take home once the competition concludes.
Kudus Delivers a Positive Experience
Coaches accompanying their respective contingents also offered positive impressions of the Pra POPDA organization. They evaluated the event not only on technical aspects, but also on coordination, venue accessibility, and provisions for athletes during their stay in Kudus.
Jepara Regency volleyball coach Titut Arif Setyawan noted that committee coordination was effective from the start. According to him, the competition venues were easily accessible, while local culinary options and infrastructure enhanced the overall experience for all contingents.
He also noted that Kudus’s central location along the Pantura route makes it relatively easy to reach for participants from various regions.
Pati Regency volleyball coach Kusnaidi Adang shared similar sentiments, stating that the participant enthusiasm and the overall atmosphere were excellent throughout the Pra POPDA.
He commended the committee’s coordination, the support provided for transportation and accommodation, and the hospitality of the local residents he encountered while supporting his athletes.
Meanwhile, Jepara sepak takraw coach, Anom Estu Prasetyo, observed that the development of sports in Kudus has undergone significant changes compared to previous years.
According to Prasetyo, athlete development in Kudus is steadily improving. He noted that the current quality of players reflects the results of a consistent training process, enabling them to compete at the Central Java level.
When a City and Sports Grow Together
Every championship tells two concurrent stories. On one hand, matches determine the path to the next round; on the other, the host city serves as a hub bringing together hundreds of athletes, coaches, officials, and the local community.
During the three-day Central Java Zone III Pre-POPDA, Kudus demonstrated that a sports city is defined by more than just its venues. The experience of visitors is shaped by logistical efficiency, accessibility, facility maintenance, community hospitality, and opportunities to enjoy local cuisine and tourist destinations.
When the competition ends and contingents return home, they leave with more than just scores; they carry memories of comfortable transit, well-organized fields, cheering crowds, a bowl of Soto Kudus, a visit to the Menara Kudus, and the warm reception from the residents they encountered during their stay.
The Central Java Zone III Pre-POPDA serves as a reminder that championships offer more than just victors; they unite individuals through a shared experience.
In Kudus, sport transcends competition. The city has become a welcoming destination that provides comfort and lasting impressions, with many athletes describing their visit not as typical guests, but as if returning to a second home. (ITN/mainkekudus)