MAKASSAR – The South Sulawesi Provincial Board of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) and Hasanuddin University (Unhas) are strengthening athlete development through the 2026 PBSI South Sulawesi Provincial Championship Rector’s Cup.
The championship, held on 18–23 August 2026 at the JK Arenatorium, Unhas Sports Hall, drew 568 athletes from various age groups. Under the theme “Building a Tradition of Champions, Producing High-Achieving Athletes,” the competition serves both as a tournament and as a talent scouting event for promising South Sulawesi athletes.
PBSI South Sulawesi Chair Prof. Dr. dr. Warsinggih, Sp.B(K)., M.Kes., MH.Kes., said athlete development requires continuous competition and adequate training facilities.
“We want development to have a clear pathway. Athletes need space to compete, facilities to train, and opportunities to face competition at a higher level,” said Prof. Warsinggih.
Prof. Warsinggih said the JK Arenatorium at the Unhas Sports Hall can broaden athletes’ access to training and competition facilities. Using these facilities consistently is considered important for sustaining the development process.
The opening of the competition was attended in person by PBSI Secretary General Ricky Subagja. Ricky said regional-level competitions are one way to identify athletes with the potential to be developed to the next level.
“This is a chance to spot promising talent. Some athletes taking part in this championship surely have talent. They must make good use of this opportunity,” said Ricky.
Ricky, who is also one of Indonesia’s badminton legends, praised Unhas’s sports facilities. Ricky said the JK Arenatorium at the Unhas Sports Hall has the capacity to support badminton development in Eastern Indonesia.
“I see that the facilities are more than adequate. The Unhas sports hall also meets the standards, and this is certainly a good opportunity for Unhas to be present and become a place for developing athletes in Eastern Indonesia,” Ricky said.
Unhas Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc., said sport plays an important role in maintaining health and in building competitive experience and mental toughness.
“We cannot be healthy without exercise. Sport is a necessity. Keep your competitive spirit up. You don’t have to be a champion to be called successful. Those of you who are here and competing have already shown an achievement,” said Prof. JJ, encouraging all participants.
The strengthening of Unhas’s sports facilities was also marked by the inauguration of the JK Arenatorium at the Unhas Sports Hall as a badminton arena through collaboration between Unhas and PBSI South Sulawesi. The facility has also been prepared to support the planned National Circuit (Sirnas) badminton tournament in Makassar.
The 2026 PBSI South Sulawesi Provincial Championship Rector’s Cup was officially opened on Tuesday (18 August) at the JK Arenatorium, Unhas Sports Hall, Unhas Tamalanrea Campus, Makassar.(*/mir)
Editor : Ishaq Rahman
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.