Popda Jateng 2026 begins with 7,515 student athletes

The 2026 Central Java Regional Student Sports Week (Popda Jateng) has commenced, featuring 7,515 student athletes from 35 regencies and cities. The competition, held from September 1–6, 2026, spans 23 sports disciplines and 522 contested events. Governor Ahmad Luthfi stated that the event serves as a critical foundation for identifying and training talent for the 2027 National Student Sports Week (Popnas).

Participants include 1,647 elementary school, 2,335 junior high, and 3,533 senior high school athletes, supported by over 1,200 coaches and officials. The event is being hosted across Semarang, Kendal, and Pati.

In Banyumas, Deputy Regent Dwi Asih Lintarti officially released a contingent of 344 athletes. The Banyumas team has set ambitious goals to improve upon their 2025 performance, specifically targeting a top-three finish in the junior high and senior high categories.