Mataram, University of Mataram – On Thursday (11/09), the Rector of Mataram University (Unram) officially sent off 16 student athletes to participate in the National Student Sports Week (POMNAS) which will be held in Solo and Semarang. The send-off ceremony took place in the Rector’s Meeting Room at the Unram Rectorate.

The Vice Rector for Student and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Sujita, S.T., M.T., opened the event by encouraging and expressing his hopes for the students who will be departing.

“You must be enthusiastic in your steadfast goals and sincere intentions. Your achievements will certainly bring honour to the university and support the University of Mataram in maintaining its excellent accreditation and, in the future, achieving international accreditation,” said Sujita.

The Rector of Unram, Prof. Ir. Bambang Hari Kusumo, M.Agr.St., Ph.D, in his speech also emphasised that the campus will always provide support with its available capabilities, hoping that students will strive and achieve optimal results.

In order to boost the students’ enthusiasm, the Rector of Unram said, “By carrying the big name of the University of Mataram, the enthusiasm must also be great in order to win.”

In addition, the Rector of Unram also advised students and coaches to maintain three important points, such as maintaining enthusiasm, maintaining sportsmanship, and maintaining health during the competition.

The POMNAS athletes’ preparations so far have consisted of daily routine training with a sense of excitement leading up to the day of departure, with the hope of achieving maximum results and bringing honour to Unram on the national stage.

“So far, the preparations have consisted of daily training, especially when there are no class schedules. The feeling today is definitely one of excitement, but we must remain mentally strong,” said Meita, an archery athlete.

Similarly, Ario, an athlete in the martial arts category, shared his preparations and hopes for the upcoming competition, “The preparations remain routine training; if it conflicts with class schedules, we do light training at home. My hope is to maintain the university’s reputation on the national stage by becoming champions.”