Athlete Syabilla Rizkia dies during Porprov Jateng 2026 diving competition

Syabilla Rizkia Putri Raharja, a 22-year-old diving athlete from Jepara, passed away during the Central Java Provincial Sports Week (Porprov Jateng) 2026. The incident occurred on Sunday, October 25, 2026, during a 3-kilometer open water diving event at Awann Costa, West Semarang.

Reports indicate that Syabilla, who had already won two gold medals in pool diving earlier in the competition, appeared to struggle with exhaustion. Witnesses and rescue teams noted that she waved her hands twice while approximately 200 meters from the finish line, but she reportedly declined assistance from the rescue team to continue the race. She eventually submerged and was evacuated by rescuers.

Following the tragedy, the Central Java National Sports Committee (KONI) announced an evaluation of diving competition procedures. New measures being considered include increasing the presence of medical personnel at competition sites, coordinating with maritime police for additional rescue vessels, and tightening health screening requirements for athletes. Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi led a collective prayer for the athlete during the event's opening ceremony.