KUDUS – The rapid sound of shuttlecocks hitting rackets, cheers from the sidelines, and vocal encouragement filled the Djarum Jati Sports Hall in Kudus during the MilkLife Superliga Junior 2026. Amidst the intense competition among young athletes from around the world, a separate narrative has unfolded beyond the court: their firsthand experience discovering the host city.
For many athletes, Kudus is more than just a brief stop to compete. It has become a vibrant environment where they are meeting new friends, adapting to local rhythms, sampling Indonesian cuisine, and experiencing the warmth of the local community.
Throughout the tournament, international athletes are staying at various locations, including Hotel Griptha and Hotel Sapphire Kudus. From the atmosphere of their accommodations to their initial culinary encounters, each player is returning home with unique stories and impressions.
For John Vincent S. Macabenta, an athlete from the Philippines representing the Mia Badminton Academy, one of his most memorable experiences in Kudus originated at the dining table.
He admitted to being surprised upon his first taste of spicy Indonesian food, noting that the level of heat in local dishes is significantly higher than that of spicy food in his home country.
“The food here has a very unique taste. I was quite surprised because spicy food in the Philippines is generally mild. When I tried spicy food in Indonesia, I found it to be very hot,” he said.
Among the dishes he has tried is chicken fried rice. While he has not yet explored local culinary spots outside the hotel, John has enjoyed the menu served at his accommodation.
He plans to share these experiences upon returning home, noting that discovering new flavors has been a highlight amidst the intense tournament schedule.
“So far, I have only tried chicken fried rice. I enjoy the food at the hotel and look forward to sharing this experience with my family when I return to the Philippines,” he added.
Beyond the culinary scene, John has also enjoyed interacting with hotel staff, despite language barriers as not all employees are fluent in English.
However, the awkwardness gradually faded. They began to understand simple conversations and found the hotel staff's patience and friendliness helpful whenever assistance was needed.
Staying at the Hotel Griptha, located about 2.2 kilometers from GOR Djarum Jati, made logistics more practical for the Philippine team. The proximity to the arena allowed them to maintain their stamina and focus throughout the tournament.
A different story comes from Christopher Gunawan, an athlete from the United States competing with the Global Badminton Academy (GBA). While he had visited Indonesia previously, his participation in the MilkLife Superliga Junior 2026 marked his first time in Kudus.
Amid the busy tournament schedule, Gunawan found himself struck by the camaraderie among the players.
He observed how athletes offered mutual support, cheering on both teammates and opponents alike. To him, these moments of encouragement were just as valuable as the competition on the court.
"One of the things I enjoy most is seeing the players support one another. We can play together, encourage each other, and truly feel a sense of camaraderie during the competition," he said.
That welcoming impression was reinforced by his interactions with locals at the hotel's fitness center. The natural hospitality he encountered daily made Gunawan feel quickly at home in the 'City of Kretek.'
Staying at the Hotel Griptha throughout the tournament, he expressed satisfaction with the comfort of the facilities and the hotel's strategic location near the competition venue.
Dining was also a seamless experience. Gunawan grew fond of local flavors, with fried noodles and fried rice becoming his two top menu favorites.
"The people in Indonesia are very kind. The organizers also worked hard to ensure all participants were comfortable and had as many opportunities to compete as possible," Gunawan added.
Nevertheless, the greatest lesson for Gunawan remained on the court. Facing off against the PB Djarum team provided him with a clear understanding of the high standards and discipline required in top-tier badminton development.
The athletes' positive experiences were shared by Hendry Winarto, the Global Badminton Academy coach accompanying the American contingent.
Unlike his players, who were visiting Kudus for the first time, Winarto holds a deep emotional connection to the city. As a PB Djarum alumnus, he has been familiar with the corners of Kudus since his own training days. The Hotel Griptha is also a familiar site, as it was part of his own journey two decades ago.
It was these cherished memories that led Winarto to choose the Hotel Griptha as his team's base. He knew from experience that the facilities and atmosphere were ideal for maintaining his athletes' physical and mental conditioning during the competition.
“I have known Hotel Griptha for about 20 years, dating back to my time at PB Djarum. Having stayed there before, I know the venue is well-equipped to support a team's needs,” he explained.
Beyond the comfort of the accommodation, Hendry praised the committee for their responsiveness in managing participants' needs, ranging from transportation and meal arrangements to intensive support throughout the tournament.
For Hendry, such attention goes beyond basic facility management. The presence of the committee and liaison officers (LOs) provides a sense of security and peace of mind, especially when the team faces unexpected challenges.
One of his most memorable experiences occurred when his luggage was left behind in New York. Through the coordination and swift assistance of the LOs, the suitcase was successfully tracked and later retrieved safely in Semarang.
“The committee has been incredibly helpful during our stay. From transportation to finer details, everything was taken care of. When my suitcase was left in New York, the LO helped manage the situation until it was found and picked up in Semarang,” Hendry noted.
Beyond logistics and service comfort, Hendry views the MilkLife Superliga Junior as a crucial growth platform for his young players.
According to Hendry, team-format badminton competitions are a rarity in the American sports calendar. In age-group championships like the U-19 category, athlete participation from the U.S. is often limited and primarily focused on individual events.
“In the United States, opportunities to compete in team-based tournaments like this are very scarce. Therefore, this tournament in Kudus is an invaluable experience for our players,” he said.
The team format at GOR Djarum Jati provides a new dimension in sharpening the competitive mentality of his athletes. They are not only required to hone individual technical skills on the court but are also encouraged to set aside egos for the sake of team solidarity and mutual support.
Hendry hopes this experience in Kudus will serve as a valuable foundation for their future careers. In addition to gaining experience against international opponents, these young athletes are also developing personal adaptability to new environments and cultures.
"Experiences like this are vital for their development. The children gain international exposure, hone teamwork, and learn to embrace different environments and cultures," Hendry added.
The 2026 MilkLife Junior Superliga, held from November 2–8, 2026, at GOR Djarum Jati in Kudus, served as a meeting point for hundreds of young talents from across the globe.
Beyond the intense competition for points and trophies, the participants carried home meaningful experiences: from the delight of tasting local cuisine to the hospitality that bridged cultural gaps, and the formation of new international friendships.
Kudus may have started as merely a tournament destination on their career paths. However, the warmth and small stories shared throughout the city will remain a cherished memory long after the cheers from the stands have faded. (OEB/YSR/mainkekudus)
