Mataram, University of Mataram – The University of Mataram (Unram) has officially joined the 19th National Student Sports Week (POMNAS) 2025. The grand opening ceremony took place on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Prof. Muladi Dome, Diponegoro University, Semarang, welcoming thousands of student-athletes from across Indonesia.

This largest intercollegiate sporting event in the country is participated by athletes representing 448 public and private universities. The opening ceremony featured a captivating traditional dance performance, followed by the parade of contingents from all provinces. The festive atmosphere was filled with athletes, coaches, and officials celebrating the spirit of sportsmanship and friendship.

This year’s POMNAS XIX features 17 sports contested across two host cities, Semarang and Solo. More than three thousand student-athletes will compete in various arenas, making the event not only a platform for achievement but also an opportunity to strengthen bonds among universities.

The opening ceremony was also attended by the Governor of Central Java, rectors and vice rectors from participating universities, as well as officials from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemdiktisaintek RI). In his address, Rector of Diponegoro University, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., expressed appreciation for the presence of all participants and emphasized that POMNAS should serve as a platform for nurturing outstanding student-athletes. Meanwhile, the Governor of Central Java encouraged participants to see sports as a means of strengthening national unity.

The event was officially opened by the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Brian Yuliarto, Ph.D., who emphasized the importance of student sports as a platform for character development and for shaping a generation of excellence.

“This competition serves as a true example of how sportsmanship and elegance can go hand in hand. We hope this event will give rise to athletes who can excel at the national level. Beyond their academic pursuits, students are also expected to showcase themselves as accomplished athletes. This is a truly proud moment,” said the Minister.

This year’s POMNAS XIX carries the theme “Move, Achieve, and Make an Impact” as a motivation to create achievements that bring meaningful contributions to society.

The University of Mataram is fielding 16 athletes ready to compete across multiple sports. The team leaders expressed their optimism about delivering strong results. “We come with high fighting spirit and hope to bring home medals for the University of Mataram,” said one of the representatives.

With the spirit of Move, Achieve, and Make an Impact, Unram’s contingent is determined to bring pride to both the university and the region at Indonesia’s most prestigious student sports event.