“The tournaments’ main aim is not to crown a champion, but to measure our capability in the sport we play. There are many benefits we can get from playing tennis,” said Prof. Kadarsah when opening the tournament.

The rector said that sports are the occasions to strengthen bonds. “We meet with people of various locations, getting closer, getting acquainted, tackling difficulties, getting together, and progress together.” He said.

Besides tennis, ITB also organized other sports tournament such as football. Hopefully, from these competitions, Indonesia will leave marks on international level.

This student tennis competition is organized thanks to cooperation between ITB and Indonesia Lawn Tennis Association (Pelti). Head of Pelti of West Java, Prof. Wawan Abdul Kadir, said that 25 higher educations take part in the competition. The number increases from last year which saw participations from 18 higher educations.

Eighty five student athletes from various universities in Indonesia participated in all categories. The same number of junior players also enter the tournament with the youngest being 8 years old.

“ITB is a higher education that focus and have concern in sports, and that was proven on the mid 90’s when ITB is the first higher education to enlist sport as obligatory courses,” said Prof. Wawan.

The opening of ITB Rector Cup 2019 was also attended by Rildo Ananda Anwar as the Chairperson of Management Board of Pelti (PP Pelti) and Monty Giriana as Chairperson of PTG IA-ITB. They hope this tournament will nurture future lawn tennis talents in Indonesia.

Reporter: Ahyar (TPB FTTM, 2018)