KUDUS – The Central Java Zone III Pre-POPDA serves as a vital platform for student-athletes to test their skills and compete for a spot at the provincial level. Each match is driven by specific goals, years of hard work, and the high hopes carried by every contingent.
The 2026 Central Java Zone III Pre-POPDA took place 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 was held at the Kudus Regent’s Office, marking the start of a series of events hosted across various venues.
The Bung Karno Sports Hall at the Kudus Sport Center hosted basketball, while indoor volleyball was held at the Porvit and Rajawali Volleyball Courts. Soccer matches took place at Porma Field, Mlati Norowito, and Tanjungkarang Field, while the Kudus Sport Center Multifunction Building and the SMAN 2 Bae Kudus indoor court hosted sepak takraw.
The distribution of match locations brought a vibrant atmosphere to the city. For these student-athletes, the event is more than a regional competition; it is a critical step to demonstrate their training and vie for a ticket to the Central Java POPDA.
However, the value of the competition extends beyond the scoreboard. The experience itself leaves a lasting impression. For many athletes and officials visiting Kudus, the city offered more than just its hospitality. During their stay in the 'Kretek City,' they found the environment provided a welcoming and memorable backdrop to their competition.
The Central Java Zone III Pre-POPDA was officially opened by Kudus Regent Sam’ani Intakoris on Monday, July 20, 2026. Through July 22, student-athletes from Kudus, Jepara, Pati, Rembang, and Blora competed in four sports: basketball, indoor volleyball, soccer, and sepak takraw.
Matches were held across various venues: basketball at the Bung Karno Sports Hall, indoor volleyball at Porvit, soccer at Tanjungkarang Field, and sepak takraw at the SMAN 2 Bae Kudus indoor facility. The dispersion of venues ensured each sport had a tailored space for competition.
In his address, Sam’ani encouraged athletes to use the event as a learning opportunity to build character. He emphasized that sportsmanship is essential for developing athletes capable of reaching higher levels of performance.
He expressed hope that all matches would be conducted fairly to identify the top athletes to represent Central Java in future stages. Additionally, he highlighted the vital role of coaches in identifying and nurturing young talent to ensure a sustainable development pipeline.
For participants, first impressions of a city are often formed the moment they arrive. Access to venues, the hospitality of organizers, and the quality of facilities are vital factors that shape their overall competitive experience.
Muhammad Rizki Nazaruddin, a volleyball athlete from Pati Regency, reflected on his positive experience in Kudus. While competition remained his primary focus, he noted that the high level of service provided made the tournament more comfortable.
He praised the completeness of the venue facilities, the cleanliness of the courts, and the availability of rest areas, noting that the tournament was conducted with discipline and stayed on schedule.
Beyond the court, Rizki found other aspects of Kudus that left a lasting impression.
He highlighted the local culinary scene as a standout experience, having enjoyed various regional delicacies during his stay. This visit was not his first; he previously visited during the Dandangan tradition at the Simpang Tujuh Town Square, an event he recalls fondly for its vibrant atmosphere.
Given his positive experiences, he stated he would be enthusiastic about returning to compete in Kudus again.
A similar sentiment was shared by M. Rega Ardian Hidayatullah, a volleyball athlete representing Jepara Regency. Representing his region is a source of pride, and competing in such a lively atmosphere provided a stark contrast to his routine training.
He expressed his appreciation for the enthusiastic crowd, which brought a unique energy to every match.
In addition to the quality of the courts, Rega noted that the transit areas and supporting facilities significantly helped athletes manage their schedules more effectively.
Between matches, he took the time to enjoy Soto Kudus for the first time. The bowl of warm, flavorful broth was a culinary experience that made an immediate impression.
His journey then continued to the Menara Kudus area. For Rega, the area offered a distinct atmosphere, noting that Kudus possesses a religious charm that makes it a welcoming destination for future visits.
The match atmosphere was also felt by Ahmad Wajih Wijdani, a sepak takraw athlete from Jepara. For him, the competition became more vibrant with the stands filled with supporters cheering throughout the game.
The roar of the crowd brought the match to life and fueled the energy of the athletes on the court.
Off the court, Ahmad experienced the hospitality of the local community. He described the city as friendly, picturesque, and highly enthusiastic about sports.
This experience will remain a cherished memory he carries home long after the competition ends.
Positive feedback on the organization of the Pra POPDA also came from the coaches accompanying the various contingents. They evaluated the event not only on technical aspects but also on coordination, venue accessibility, and the overall support provided to athletes during their stay in Kudus.
Jepara Regency volleyball coach Titut Arif Setyawan noted that coordination by the committee was well-managed from the start. According to him, the competition venues were easily accessible, while the local culinary options and city facilities served as added benefits for all contingents.
He also noted that Kudus's central location along the North Coast (Pantura) route makes it relatively easy to reach for participants from various regions.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Pati Regency volleyball coach Kusnaidi Adang. He praised the participants' enthusiasm and the overall quality of the event throughout the Pra POPDA.
He commended the committee's coordination, the support regarding transportation and accommodation needs, and the friendliness of the people he encountered while accompanying his athletes.
Meanwhile, Jepara sepak takraw coach Anom Estu Prasetyo noted that the sports landscape in Kudus has seen significant changes compared to previous years.
According to Prasetyo, athletic development in Kudus is steadily improving. He credited the high quality of current players to a consistent training process that has enabled local athletes to remain competitive at the Central Java provincial level.
Every athletic championship tells a dual story: the competitive matches determining who advances to the next round, and the host city serving as a hub for hundreds of athletes, coaches, officials, and the public.
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 visitor experience is shaped by the hospitality of the organizers, accessibility, facility maintenance, community warmth, and the opportunity to enjoy local culinary and tourist attractions.
As matches conclude and contingents return home, they carry away more than just scorecards. They leave with memories of a comfortable transit, well-prepared fields, enthusiastic spectators, a warm bowl of Soto Kudus, a visit to the Kudus Tower, and the welcoming nature of the people they encountered during their stay.
The Central Java Zone III Pre-POPDA serves as a reminder that championships offer more than just victors; they bring individuals together through a shared experience.
In Kudus, sports transcend simple competition. The city provides a welcoming environment, leaving a lasting impression and ensuring athletes feel less like visitors and more like they have returned to a second home. (ITN/mainkekudus)