MAKASSAR, JurnalPost.com – The IMTC Semen Tonasa Cup and the South Sulawesi Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti) Chairman's Cup Junior National Tennis Championship officially kicked off at the Karebosi Tennis Court in Makassar, running from October 23–27, 2026.
The championship, which brings together junior tennis athletes from across Indonesia, is part of an effort to boost performance while expanding development opportunities for young athletes, particularly in Eastern Indonesia.
Guided by the slogan “Don't Fear Losing If You Want to Win”, the tournament serves not only as a competition for titles but also as a venue for junior athletes to develop their skills, sharpen their competitive mindset, and build a spirit of sportsmanship.
The championship features six age groups: 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 years old. Each age group includes singles and doubles categories for both boys and girls.
Promoting Equitable Junior Tennis Competition
The hosting of the IMTC Semen Tonasa Cup and the South Sulawesi Pelti Chairman's Cup marks a significant milestone for the development of tennis outside of Java.
According to the organizers, this is the first time the championship has been held in Eastern Indonesia. Its presence in Makassar is expected to broaden access to competition for young athletes who have previously had limited opportunities to participate in national-scale tournaments.
Beyond providing match experience, the championship offers athletes the chance to gauge their abilities against participants from various regions with different playing styles and characteristics.
Increasing the number of competitions held in the regions is expected to support sustainable athlete development while encouraging the emergence of new talent in national tennis.
Semen Tonasa Supports Early-Age Athlete Development
PT Semen Tonasa President Director Anis emphasized in his opening remarks the importance of multi-stakeholder support for early-age athlete development.
He noted that consistent development is a crucial factor in producing tennis athletes capable of competing at both national and international levels.
By supporting the junior championship, PT Semen Tonasa contributes to providing a competitive space for young athletes to gain experience, boost their confidence, and develop their potential.
Participation in the tournament is also expected to instill values of sportsmanship, discipline, and a never-give-up attitude, which are essential in character building for athletes.
South Sulawesi Pelti Emphasizes Sustainable Competition
Meanwhile, South Sulawesi Pelti Chairman Jamaluddin Jompa stressed that holding sustainable championships plays a vital role in improving the quality of junior tennis athletes.
He believes that equitable competition across regions is a strategic step toward providing broader opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills and showcase their best performance.
The national championship held in South Sulawesi is also expected to provide a positive boost to the development of tennis in the region while strengthening the early-age athlete development system.
Jamaluddin hopes this tournament will serve as a cradle for potential athletes who will one day bring honor to Indonesia in various championships.
Initiative by Former National Tennis Athlete
The championship was made possible through the role of Irawati Moerid, a former tennis athlete active in the 1990s who was one of the initiators of the tournament.
Irawati expressed her appreciation to PT Semen Tonasa for the support provided, which enabled the junior tennis championship to take place.
Her involvement in organizing the tournament is a form of contribution from a former athlete toward the development of the next generation of Indonesian tennis.
Through this championship, junior athletes are encouraged not only to focus on winning but also to understand that every match is part of the learning process.
The slogan “Don't Fear Losing If You Want to Win” serves as a key message for all participants to be brave in facing challenges, learning from defeat, and continuously improving their skills.
With the IMTC Semen Tonasa Cup and the South Sulawesi Pelti Chairman's Cup underway, it is hoped that tennis development will continue to grow and that opportunities for young athletes to excel will become more accessible.
The championship also serves as a momentum to strengthen the national junior tennis ecosystem, particularly in South Sulawesi and Eastern Indonesia.
Comments 0
Write a Comment Share your response