SEMARANG, Indonesia (July 7, 2025) – A spirit of sportsmanship and cross-generational collaboration filled Universitas Diponegoro’s Polytron Stadium as the closing ceremony of the UNDIP OPEN 2025 Rector’s Cup was officially held on Sunday evening, July 6, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. local time. The lively event marked the conclusion of a national badminton tournament, initiated for the first time by UNDIP’s Badminton Student Activity Unit (UKM), which drew hundreds of young athletes from various regions and educational levels across Indonesia.
The closing ceremony was attended by UNDIP leadership, including the Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Heru Susanto, S.T., M.M., M.T., represented the Rector, as well as Deans, Directors, and Deputy Directors from across the university. In his remarks, Prof. Heru expressed pride and deep appreciation for all those who contributed to the tournament’s success.
“This is the first time we’ve held a competition of this kind, and the participants’ enthusiasm has been truly outstanding. Moving forward, UNDIP plans to make this an annual event. We’re confident that in the years ahead, the passion of the organizing committee will only grow stronger, and the number of participants will continue to increase, making the championship even more competitive,” he said to applause.
Prof. Heru also emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration to develop athletic potential.
“We hope to build partnerships with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports Offices, and other relevant institutions so that the achievements here can meaningfully benefit the future of young athletes,” he added.
Beyond seeking champions, the UNDIP Rector’s Cup aimed to instill the values of sportsmanship, solidarity, collaboration, and perseverance.
“UNDIP is proud to host the emergence of young talents from across the nation who uphold integrity and a fighting spirit,” Prof. Heru concluded.
Tournament Chair Naufal Faturohman expressed gratitude for the smooth execution of the event and thanked all parties involved in supporting the tournament, which was initiated by UNDIP’s Badminton Unit.
“The tournament attracted hundreds of athletes from high schools, universities, and even young local players from Semarang in beginner, child, and early-age categories. Over four days, from July 3 to 6, the matches were both competitive and entertaining,” Naufal said.
He hopes the championship will continue to serve as a platform for cultivating national badminton talent and fostering connections between schools and campuses across Indonesia. “This is a concrete step toward athlete development and strengthening Indonesia’s culture of sporting excellence,” he said.
The closing night was enlivened by performances from UNDIP’s Traditional and Modern Dance Student Units, as well as musical entertainment by a campus band, fostering a warm atmosphere of camaraderie. The highlight of the evening was the announcement of winners in various categories, greeted with cheers from the audience.
Here are some of the top winners of the UNDIP OPEN 2025 Rector’s Cup:
- Girls’ High School Doubles: Angelice Quinsha Helena & Rafaella Agatha Prasetya (PKBM Piwulang Becik / SMA N 4)
- Boys’ High School Doubles: Bimo Fajar Purnomo & Muhammad Arya Bimasena (SMA Sahabatqu Jogja / SMA Al Azhar 14 Semarang)
- Mixed High School Doubles: Mahesa Ridho Syahputra & Rizka Iga Renggani (SMK Sepuluh November / SMA N 1 Banyuwangi)
- Women’s University Doubles: Adila Anis Afifah & Az Zahra Asri Purnamawati (Universitas Negeri Semarang)
- Men’s University Doubles: Aji Nurdina Falah & Lutfi Afriand (STKIP Pasundan Cimahi)
- Mixed University Doubles: Hafiz Hidayatullah & Shellin Salsabila Nurfazhriah (STKIP Pasundan Cimahi)
- Girls’ High School Singles: Dea Nur Fadilla (SMA Gajahmada Kartasura Sukoharjo)
- Boys’ High School Singles: Adlil Wafi (SMA Taman Siswa Pagar Alam)
- Men’s University Singles: Nur Yahya Ady Velani (Universitas Insan Budi Utomo)
- Women’s University Singles: Rifda Safinatun Naja (Universitas Semarang)
A complete list of winners is available here.
With the tournament now concluded, Universitas Diponegoro reaffirms its commitment to nurturing the next generation — not only in academic excellence but also in sportsmanship, character development, and meaningful contributions to the nation. (Public Communication/UNDIP/DHW)