As part of the series of events celebrating its 40th Anniversary, Universitas Terbuka (UT) has once again organized the 2024 National Student Table Tennis Tournament for the Rector’s Cup, themed “Spirit and Resilience to Achieve Victory Based on Sportsmanship and Creativity.” This annual tournament, eagerly awaited by students, is routinely held by UT in collaboration with partner banks including Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), Bank Mandiri, Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI), and Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI). The tournament attracts participants from students and university students across Indonesia.
The student table tennis tournament was attended by several UT leaderships, including the Vice-Rector for Information Systems and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Paken Pandiangan, S.Si., M.Si.; the Vice-Rector for Finance, Resources, and General Affairs, Prof. Dr. Ali Muktiyanto, S.E., M.Si.; the Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation, Partnership, and Business, Rahmat Budiman, M.Hum., Ph.D.; the person in charge of UT National Disporseni 2024, Dr. Meirani Harsasi, S.E., M.Si. (Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business); the Chairperson of UT National Disporseni 2024, Olivia Idrus, S.E., M.Sc. (Vice Dean for Student Affairs, Learning Services, and Partnership of FEB); the head of UT Table Tennis Association, Adrian Sutawijaya, S.E., M.Si. (Director of Management, Assets, General Affairs, and Procurement); and UT’s partners supporting the event.
The activity report was delivered by Adrian Sutawijaya, S.E., M.Si., who also serves as the head of the UT Table Tennis Association. In his report, the number of participants was recorded as follows:
– U-12 Boys Category: 90 participants
– U-12 Girls Category: 46 participants
– U-15 Boys Category: 143 participants
– U-15 Girls Category: 71 participants
– U-18 Boys Category: 126 participants
– U-18 Girls Category: 70 participants
– Male University Students: 52 participants
– Female University Students: 33 participants
From the data above, the total number of registered participants amounts to 631. Before concluding his report, he reminded all tournament participants to remain enthusiastic and uphold sportsmanship throughout the competition.
Prof. Paken Pandiangan echoed the same sentiment in his speech, emphasizing the importance of maintaining sportsmanship. “I welcome all participants who will be competing over the next three days, and I urge you all to always uphold the spirit of sportsmanship and creativity in this championship,” he stated. He expressed hope that through this table tennis championship, new talents, interests, and creativity among students from all regions of Indonesia could be discovered.
The event was officially opened by Prof. Ali Muktiyanto, accompanied by Prof. Paken Pandiangan, Dr. Meirani Harsasi, and Adrian Sutawijaya. This was followed by a brief exhibition match between Prof. Ali Muktiyanto and representatives from the partner banks, marking the official commencement of the tournament. It is hoped that this event will help foster the regeneration of athletes and maintain achievements, preventing any gaps in the development of future athletes. With the belief that there are no instant successes in sports, the long process undertaken will yield positive impacts. Additionally, this tournament is expected to inspire further development and increase the popularity of table tennis among the broader community.
