JAYAPURA – The 2026 Papua Governor's Cup Regional Athletics Championship, held at Mandala Stadium in Jayapura, was officially opened by Papua Governor Matius D. Fakhiri on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The event will run for three days, from June 18 to 20, 2026.

In his remarks, the Governor said the championship is not merely about competing for medals and titles, but also serves as a platform for athlete development, evaluating training results, identifying outstanding young talent, and strengthening brotherhood among regions in Papua.

The championship is part of the regional sports development strategy to prepare Papua's best athletes for various national and international competitions, including the major target of the 2028 National Sports Week (PON).

"Through this championship, we hope to see the emergence of young, healthy, strong, well-characterized, and highly disciplined athletes who can compete positively and bring Papua's name to the national and international stages, including the Pre-PON, PON, SEA Games, and even the Olympics," Matius Fakhiri said.

The Governor further expressed hope that the championship would strengthen synergy between regional governments, sports organizations, the business sector, and the community in building an advanced and sustainable sports ecosystem in Papua. This is in line with Papua's development vision of realizing a smart, prosperous, and harmonious transformation of Papua, known as Papua Cerah.

The 2026 Papua Governor's Cup Regional Athletics Championship is participated in by 230 athletes, consisting of 160 male athletes and 70 female athletes. They will compete in the U-18, U-21, and senior age groups across various events, including 100-meter, 200-meter, and 400-meter sprints; middle- and long-distance running; relays; and field events such as long jump, triple jump, high jump, shot put, and javelin throw.

The championship is joined by seven contingents from the Indonesian Athletics Association (PASI), representing Jayapura City, Keerom Regency, Jayapura Regency, Sarmi Regency, Yapen Regency, Waropen Regency, and Biak Numfor Regency.

The Governor also expressed appreciation to the coaches and officials who have trained Papua's young athletes. He said the success of an athlete cannot be separated from the hard work of coaches who continuously guide and assist athletes until they are able to compete.

"Thank you for the dedication, hard work, and patience you have shown in guiding and mentoring the athletes so they can perform in the competition arena," he said.

At the end of his remarks, Matius Fakhiri invited all participants to make the championship a momentum to build character, improve discipline and self-confidence, and uphold the values of sportsmanship, honesty, and mutual respect.

"Let us make the 2026 Governor's Cup Regional Athletics Championship a momentum to produce outstanding athletes, strengthen unity, and foster optimism toward a more advanced, healthy, and accomplished Papua. May the entire series of activities run smoothly, safely, and successfully, and produce the best athletes who will bring honor to Papua and Indonesia," he said. ***