GOR Djarum Badminton

KUDUS – The sun had barely risen in Jati Kulon village, Jati district, Kudus, Central Java. From the sports complex on Jalan Raya Kudus-Purwodadi KM 0.3, the rhythmic thud of rackets and the sound of footsteps were already audible. Activity begins here early, long before most of the surrounding area stirs to life.

Within the 40-hectare complex, training is a near-daily ritual. Young athletes follow a structured schedule, cycling through physical conditioning, academics, rest, and technical and tactical drills that continue into the evening.

The complex, known as GOR Djarum (Jati), has served as a central hub for PB Djarum’s badminton development program since its inauguration in 2006. For resident athletes, training, education, and daily life are all contained within this single campus.

Athletes' Morning Routine

For Tiara Shaqeela Jasmine, a day at GOR Djarum is demanding. The U-15 women's doubles player from Samarinda, East Kalimantan, joined PB Djarum in 2022 after passing a collaborative training program.

Mornings are dedicated to several hours of physical training, followed by classes, and then a brief period of rest in the dormitory. By the afternoon, the athletes return to the courts for intensive technical and tactical sessions.

“Our daily routine is extremely busy. We wake up early for three to four hours of physical training, then attend school, take a short rest, and then head back for four hours of technical training in the afternoon. In total, we can spend up to eight hours a day training,” Tiara said.

Drilling and power development are particularly grueling, she noted. However, life for these athletes extends beyond training; the dormitory serves as a vital space for rest and recovery before they tackle the next day's schedule.

Tiara noted that the dormitory rooms are among her favorite amenities, citing air conditioning, wardrobes, and comfortable beds as key features that enhance rest periods. The sports courts and fitness equipment also provide critical support for her training activities.

Tiara has built a solid competitive resume, including provincial-level championships, the Sirnas B Medan, and the Kapolri Cup. Looking ahead, she is targeting a podium finish at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships in China and aspires to join the national training camp at PBSI.

Training Schedule Structured by Necessity

Life for athletes at GOR Djarum follows a strictly structured schedule, with training sessions running from Monday to Saturday, split between morning and afternoon segments.

Morning physical conditioning, held between 6:00 a.m. or 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. WIB, encompasses weight training, agility drills, running, and endurance exercises, with the curriculum varying by day.

Weight training is held on Mondays and Thursdays, agility drills on Tuesdays, and running and endurance sessions on Fridays. Programs are overseen by physical trainers, including coach Aris Subarka, a former physical trainer for the PBSI national team.

Following the morning sessions, athletes transition to academic studies from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. WIB, with a designated period for rest and recovery scheduled between 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. WIB.

Training resumes in the afternoon. Between 3:30 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. WIB, the focus shifts to game techniques and tactics.

Wednesdays and Saturdays are typically half-day training sessions. However, this schedule is subject to change when athletes are preparing for major championships. During those periods, training time can be maximized to meet competitive requirements.

For coaches, this rigorous schedule is not merely about developing playing skills. Young athletes must also learn to manage their daily lives, including rest time and device usage.

Discipline as Part of the Challenge

Ronald Sanduan Sipasulta, coach of the PB Djarum U-15 and U-17 women's doubles teams, believes that moving the training center to Kudus has provided significant advantages in the development process.

Since 2020, PB Djarum has reorganized its training center by placing the U-15 and U-17 youth doubles sectors at the Djarum Kudus Sports Hall. Previously, training for these sectors took place in Jakarta, where the courts and dormitories were not located within the same complex.

“In the past, we had to rent courts in Jakarta and the distance between the dorms and the courts was quite far. Here in Kudus, it is truly more effective. Whenever an athlete needs extra training, the facilities are readily available,” Ronald said.

The proximity of the dorms to the training facilities makes it easier to manage athlete activities. Time previously spent commuting can now be redirected toward other activities, including rest and recovery.

However, according to Ronald, the challenge of developing young athletes extends beyond technical ability. Managing self-discipline is also an essential part of their daily routine.

The use of smartphones and social media is one area that requires monitoring, particularly ahead of competitions. Athletes must maintain their rest schedules to ensure they stay focused on their training programs.

“When approaching a match, we limit mobile phone use so it does not interfere with their rest or concentration. As coaches, we must be diligent in providing guidance and education every day,” he said.

Through this approach, development is not solely focused on on-court performance. Athletes are also accustomed to following rules, maintaining routines, and understanding their responsibilities as part of the training group.

Comprehensive Facilities

All activities are supported by facilities consolidated within a single complex. According to PB Djarum administrative staff member Ravenus Pongoh, GOR Djarum houses 16 badminton courts.

The 12 main courts are designated for competitive events, while four supporting courts located along the perimeter are reserved for training.

"We have 12 main courts inside and four supporting courts along the sides. During events or matches, the 12 central courts are utilized, while the four supporting courts are used for training," explained Ravenus.

The complex facilities extend beyond the courts; athletes also have access to a fitness center equipped with weight training gear, treadmills, and stationary bikes.

For recovery purposes, physiotherapy and massage rooms are available, providing necessary support for athletes during training and post-physical activity treatment.

The complex also includes dormitories for athletes and coaches, featuring 41 rooms with a total capacity of 86 beds. The housing is segregated by gender and separates athletes from coaching staff.

The complex also accommodates various activity requirements on-site. The multi-purpose hall is utilized for press conferences, referee briefings, manager meetings, and tutoring sessions. Additional supporting facilities include a kitchen, dining area, band room, management office, and Hall of Fame.

All facilities undergo regular maintenance. Dedicated teams for general services, building and electrical repairs, and groundskeeping are assigned to ensure the upkeep of the complex.

"We handle maintenance immediately if any issues arise. We have a specialized team and designated personnel who ensure the building and electrical systems remain in optimal condition," Ravenus said.

The GOR Djarum complex features a PB Djarum merchandise store, enhancing the visitor experience at this prominent badminton training center in Kudus. Guests can purchase a variety of items, including athlete jerseys, t-shirts, footwear, and other official club gear. Conveniently located within the complex, the shop is a popular stop for those looking to take home souvenirs and mementos from their visit to this renowned facility.

Tiered Athlete Development

The availability of integrated training facilities is central to PB Djarum’s developmental approach, which begins at an early age. The U-11, U-13, and U-15 categories serve as foundational tiers preparing athletes for more advanced competition.

According to Ravenus, the high level of international badminton competition underscores the importance of early development. Nations such as China maintain intense competition at the junior level.

"International competition is incredibly fierce, especially from countries like China. If development does not begin at a young age, we will fall behind by the time athletes reach the U-19 level, which serves as a key benchmark for entering the national training center," he explained.

Consequently, the training program does not focus solely on single-tournament outcomes. Athletes are developed through phased training, formal education, discipline, and competitive experience.

For athletes like Tiara, this process often takes place far from home. A demanding daily schedule makes the dormitory and training complex central to their lives.

In this setting, they learn to manage fatigue, maintain rest schedules, balance academic obligations, and compete in tournaments. Each stage offers distinct experiences as they navigate their career paths.

A Venue for Multiple Championships

Beyond its role as a training facility, GOR Djarum (Jati) regularly hosts a variety of championships. The site has been the stage for events at the regional, national, and international levels.

These include the Hydroplus Sirnas A Central Java, the 2015 and 2016 Badminton Asia U-15 and U-17 Championships, and the Superliga Junior, which features international teams and clubs in a team-based format. The Bupati Cup has also been held at Djarum Arena for local clubs.

Tournament activities bring more than just athletes and coaches to the complex. The influx of participants, support staff, match officials, and spectators significantly boosts local activity.

For Kudus, these sporting events stimulate growth in other sectors. When championships are underway, demand for accommodation, dining, transportation, and various services increases.

The hospitality sector benefits directly from the arrival of participants and their entourages, while local culinary businesses and SMEs find opportunities to serve attendees. This synergy underscores the link between athletic events and the local economy.

Cultural Visit

The activities at GOR Djarum (Jati) draw numerous visitors from outside the region. Institutions, universities, and corporate partners often include the area in their official visits.

These tours offer more than just a look at the sports facilities. Visitors gain insight into the comprehensive athlete development process, from training routines to the daily support services provided to players.

For Kudus, the presence of this training and championship hub bridges sports and tourism. The arrival of athletes and their entourages creates opportunities for them to explore the region beyond the competition arena.

Ultimately, GOR Djarum (Jati) is more than just a venue for limited hours of competition. It serves as a hub for daily operations, including training, education, rest, recovery, and match preparation.

Across its 16 courts, dormitories, fitness center, and other support facilities, the training process is structured and iterative. Young athletes arrive with potential that is steadily refined through a cycle of daily routines, evaluations, competitive play, and further training.

For Tiara, the journey is far from over. Her upcoming objectives include competing on the international junior circuit and securing a spot in the national training camp. Meanwhile, for coaches and management, the development process continues seamlessly across all age groups.

The GOR Djarum (Jati) facility serves as the hub for this development, where athletes train, study, and recover before returning to the court the next day. It is through this disciplined, daily routine that badminton talent is cultivated in Kudus. (HNR/mainkekudus)