With 1.474 Athletes Participating, the 9th IPB Karate Cup Serves as a Platform for Promotion and Performance Development

The 9th IPB Karate Cup served as both a competitive event and a platform to introduce IPB University to the public through sports. Organized by the IPB University Karate Student Activity Unit (UKM), the championship drew 1.474 athletes from eight provinces, 67 karate clubs, and 18 universities.

The advisor to IPB University’s Karate Student Activity Unit, Prof Idat Galih Permana, stated that the high level of participation demonstrates the participants’ enthusiasm for karate championships held within the university community. He also commended the organizing committee’s readiness in facilitating the competition from the preparation stage through to its execution.

“Alhamdulillah, the 9th IPB Karate Cup 2026 was successfully held. The participants’ enthusiasm was also excellent,” said Prof Idat during the 9th IPB Karate Cup 2026 tournament at Grha Widya Wisuda, IPB Dramaga Campus, Bogor 8/30).

Prof Idat, who is also the Dean of the Faculty of Animal Science at IPB University, noted that sports activities on campus are not solely focused on achieving athletic success. According to him, championships like the IPB Karate Cup can also serve as a platform to introduce IPB’s academic environment and various student activities to the public, particularly the karate community from universities, schools, and various regions.

Praise came from the Executive Board of the Indonesian Karate-Do Sports Federation (PB FORKI). Sihang Ellong Tjandra, Chair of the Executive Committee of the PB FORKI School Council, noted that the event led directly by students demonstrated that student organizations are capable of managing sports competitions professionally.

“What impresses me is that there are sports disciplines here that can be competed in and introduced to the public. This event is very positive,” he said.

Ellong also highlighted the orderly management of the matches, despite the large number of participants. According to him, the quality of the matches was further supported by the involvement of referees holding certifications ranging from national to international levels.

Meanwhile, Libbi Azhafif Gunawan, Executive Chair of the 9th IPB Karate Cup 2026, explained that this championship is a continuation of the IPB Karate Cup series, which began in 2010.

“After the seventh edition in 2017, the event was temporarily suspended and resumed in 2024 with the IPB Karate Cup VIII, which featured 897 participants from seven provinces,” he said.

Muh Faturokhman, M.Si., Assistant Director of Character Development, Student Organizations, Sports and Student Artisty at the IPB University Directorate of Student Affairs, added, “IPB will continue to support student sports activities that can serve as an example for other student organizations.”

He hopes the success of the IPB Karate Cup can serve as a benchmark for other student organizations to host national level competitions. (dr) (IAAS/KQA)