Turning Challenges into Opportunities for Growth

Elyas' opportunity to speak on the global stage was shaped by his experience leading PS ITB in various competitions, including UniLeague. One of the team's most challenging moments came when PS ITB suffered a 0–12 defeat, a result that attracted widespread attention on social media and prompted humorous comments from netizens, including the phrase, "We'll get our revenge on LinkedIn."

For Elyas, however, the experience served as a valuable lesson.

"The defeat certainly became a point of evaluation for us. More importantly, we refused to give up. We continued competing and approached every match with the same determination," he said.

Regarding the viral social media comments, Elyas explained that he chose not to dwell on them. Instead, he and his teammates remained focused on what mattered most—improving their performance on the field and striving to achieve their goals in the competition.

Football for Mental Health Receives International Recognition

The resilience demonstrated by Elyas and his team became one of the foundations of the ideas he shared at the UN forum. During the event, he had the opportunity to engage in discussions with youth representatives from around the world on the role of sports in advancing young people's well-being.

One of the highlights of his visit was a discussion with Felipe Paullier, Head of the UN Youth Office and Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs.

"He highly appreciated the Football for Mental Health concept because it aligns with the UN Youth Office's mission of promoting youth well-being and empowerment through football," Elyas said.

Fostering a More Open Team Culture

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After returning from New York, Elyas brought home new perspectives that he hopes to implement within PS ITB. He believes that mental well-being and team cohesion begin with open and healthy communication.

"One change I want to encourage is creating more opportunities for players to express their opinions, both during training sessions and in every decision-making process within PS ITB," he explained.

Through this approach, Elyas hopes to cultivate a more inclusive team culture where every player feels heard, valued, and develops a strong sense of belonging.

Collaboration Behind the Achievement
Elyas emphasized that his opportunity to speak at the UN was made possible through the support of many people. He expressed his appreciation to his teammates, coaches, advisors, and the entire PS ITB management for helping him understand the real challenges faced within university football. In addition, discussions with fellow delegates from various countries enriched the perspectives and ideas he presented at the international forum.

Looking ahead, Elyas sees tremendous potential for the continued growth of university football in Indonesia. He also welcomed UniLeague's plan to expand the competition to more cities across the country.

"I hope more ITB students will become involved so that football at ITB can continue to grow. I believe football should not only serve as a platform for achieving sporting success but also as a space where students can grow and develop as individuals," he concluded.