KUDUS – The excitement of the final matches at the 2026 Hydroplus Regent Cup XX has gradually subsided. Athletes departed the court with varying outcomes; some savored the thrill of clinching a title, while others accepted defeat in the final round. For both, however, the final match represented more than just a place on the podium.
Muhammad Ragil Fahrudin of PB E’France Kudus concluded the tournament as the champion in the men’s junior singles category. Meanwhile, his club teammate, Fakhriyan Zaidan Nabil, finished as the runner-up following his loss in the final.
These results mark only a segment of their broader journey in the competition. Beyond the final whistle lies a rigorous process of training, conditioning, facing opponents, family support, coaching guidance, and the invaluable experience they carry with them as they leave the arena.
For Ragil, the victory at the 2026 Hydroplus Regent Cup XX holds special significance. It is not only his first title, but his first time standing atop the podium in his competitive career.
“I am happy and proud to be a champion,” Ragil said.
The path to the final was not without its challenges. The most demanding scenario was facing a teammate; the familiarity of training together did not simplify the match, as Ragil had to remain focused to maintain his edge.
“The hardest part is maintaining consistency against a club mate,” he noted.
Ragil balanced physical conditioning and technical play right up to the final. Throughout the event, the support of his parents, who watched from the sidelines, proved essential.
Reflecting on the tournament, he considers reaching the final a pivotal experience that unlocked his potential for his first championship.
“Reaching the final is my most memorable moment because it is my first title,” he added.
After securing the win, Ragil dedicated the title to his parents, crediting his success to the unwavering support he has received throughout his athletic journey.
Just meters away from Ragil’s celebration, Fakhriyan experienced a different conclusion. While he fell in the final to take second place, the journey remained a valuable learning experience. Having prepared through rigorous training, Fakhriyan now looks beyond the final result to identify the areas where he must improve.
“I must train harder to address my shortcomings and secure first place,” he said.
One key takeaway from the final match was his physical condition. Fakhriyan acknowledged that his sub-optimal stamina affected his performance in the final.
“It was mainly my fitness; I lost because my physical condition wasn’t up to par,” he stated.
This observation is now a priority for his future training. He aims to resume practice and improve his physical condition to be better prepared for upcoming competitions.
Despite missing out on the title, Fakhriyan said he remains pleased with his participation in the event.
“It was a valuable experience, and I’m happy despite not taking home the top prize,” he said.
For him, the defeat in the final does not diminish the progress he made throughout the tournament. Rather, the final match provided him with insights into areas of his game that still require development.
Behind the performances of Ragil and Fakhriyan, their coach has monitored their progress from training through competition. Nico Meysia Putra Pratama, coach of PB E’France Kudus, noted that the club sent 16 athletes across several age groups, ranging from children and beginners to junior levels.
Throughout the tournament, Nico observed development in several athletes, spanning mental fortitude, technique, shot selection, and physical conditioning. Regarding Ragil, he highlighted the player's increasing mental readiness during the competition.
“The progress is primarily mental; he has developed a winning mindset, and his technique, strokes, and fitness have also improved,” he explained.
According to Nico, maintaining mental stability is as critical as technical preparation. Young athletes can experience shifts in confidence when playing before large crowds.
“The biggest challenge is maintaining the athletes' mental state, as playing in front of many spectators can sometimes cause their competitive spirit to dip,” he said.
Consequently, constant motivation was provided throughout the matches. Athletes were encouraged to remain driven and maintain their focus until the final point.
In the final, Nico noted that the drive to win helped Ragil execute his game plan effectively.
“It was likely his drive—the ambition to be a champion—that proved to be the key in the final match,” Nico said.
Following the conclusion of the Hydroplus Bupati Cup XX 2026, the journey for the PB E’France Kudus athletes continues. The beginner athletes are being prepared for upcoming events, including the Sirnas C in Yogyakarta and various championships to be held in Kudus.
For young athletes, the journey to a match extends beyond the arena, with families playing an integral role in the process.
Dwi Ernawati, mother of Fakhriyan, has supported her son at competitions since he was in third grade. She makes every effort to attend his matches, whether in singles or doubles play.
“I always accompany my son and make sure to show my support at every tournament he enters,” she said.
Over the years, Dwi has witnessed Fakhriyan’s effort to develop his competitive mindset. Losses have not dampened his resolve; instead, he frequently tells his mother that he believes he can succeed.
“He fights with such enthusiasm and is excited for every match. He often tells me, ‘Mom, I can do this,’” Dwi shared.
For Dwi, pride in her son is not limited to his victories. Every effort and every point fought for on the court is part of the journey she supports.
She hopes Fakhriyan will maintain his dedication to training as long as he remains committed to competing in badminton.
The family's presence underscores that these multi-day competitions hold deeper stories. Behind every athlete are individuals who stand by them through every training session, match, triumph, and defeat.
The journeys of these athletes reflect the goals of the Hydroplus Bupati Cup XX 2026. Organizing Committee Chairman, Widhoro Heriyanto, stated that the competition is designed not only to crown winners but also to provide a platform for emerging talent.
“Through this event, we hope to foster a new generation of athletes to succeed their seniors,” he said.
For young athletes, increased competitive opportunities translate into vital experience. They gain the chance to test their training against opponents in real-game scenarios.
This experience does not always lead to victory. Some athletes discover the strengths of their game, while others identify weaknesses that need improvement. Both outcomes are essential components of the development process.
Competitions also teach athletes how to handle pressure from opponents, spectators, and unpredictable situations that cannot be fully replicated in club training.
Ultimately, the final score is not the sole measure of an athlete's journey. For the organizers, these events provide the necessary space for athletes to evolve and prepare for their future careers.
Throughout the competition, the arena was filled with more than just athletes and coaches; family members and spectators also gathered to watch the matches. Their presence made the atmosphere on the final day particularly vibrant.
This activity also benefited local small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Heny Safitri, a local food and beverage vendor, set up shop during the event.
She offered a variety of products, including Kudus orange juice, grilled toast, and noodles. According to Heny, the crowd on the final day was notably larger than on previous days.
"On regular days it's fairly typical, but for the final, it has been quite busy, even since this morning," she said.
Grilled toast and noodles were among the most sought-after items by visitors. Meanwhile, the orange juice made from local Kudus oranges maintained steady sales, comparable to a typical day.
For Heny, participating in sports events provides a valuable opportunity for MSMEs to introduce their products to a wider audience.
"It's a way to develop our small businesses. Selling here is quite good; it helps promote our products so more people get to know them," she remarked.
She hopes for more sporting events to be held in the future, providing a space for MSMEs to sell their goods and gain visibility.
As the Hydroplus Bupati Cup XX 2026 concluded, Ragil and Fakhriyan ended the competition with different outcomes. Ragil secured the championship title, marking his first time experiencing a final and victory. Fakhriyan took home second place while noting areas for physical improvement.
However, their journeys did not end on the podium.
Ragil continues to look ahead to further training and competitions. Fakhriyan is also focused on improving his stamina and addressing the weaknesses identified in his final match. Coaches will continue to provide support, while families remain an integral part of their paths off the field.
Amidst the matches, spectators offered support while MSME vendors tapped into the event’s vitality. All participants shared the same space, though each carried their own unique experience.
While the final match determines the champion, every athlete returns home with a unique story once the game concludes.
Some athletes celebrate with trophies, while others return with a critical assessment of their performance gaps. Regardless of the outcome, all carry the experience gained in Kudus to refine their training, prepare for future competitions, and advance their athletic careers. (DN/HNR/mainkekudus)
