Saturday, 11 July 2026
DELI SERDANG | INDATANEWS.COM - A total of 618 junior high school (SMP) students from across Deli Serdang Regency are participating in the 2026 Gala Siswa Indonesia (GSI) Football Tournament and Chess Championship. The event was officially opened by Deli Serdang Regent Asri Ludin Tambunan at Baharoeddin Siregar Stadium on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
The tournament, which runs through Friday, July 10, 2026, is part of the Deli Serdang Regency Government's commitment to strengthening youth sports development while providing students with opportunities to cultivate their talents and abilities in various fields.
A total of 288 students are competing in the GSI Football Tournament, representing 16 district teams. Each squad consists of 18 players selected from junior high schools within their respective districts.
Meanwhile, the 2026 Chess Championship has attracted 330 participants from 22 districts, including 132 male students, 132 female students, and 66 teachers who are also taking part in the competition.
In his remarks, Deli Serdang Regent Asri Ludin Tambunan emphasized that every child possesses unique strengths and talents. According to him, students' success should not be measured solely by academic performance but also by their achievements in sports and creative fields.
"Not every child excels academically. Many have exceptional talents in sports or creative activities. It is the government's responsibility to provide opportunities for all of these potentials to grow and become a foundation for their future," he said.
Asri Ludin noted that sports such as football and chess carry significant educational value because they develop strategic thinking, discipline, concentration, and sound decision-making skills.
He added that nurturing athletic talent from an early age is a long-term investment in producing highly competitive young athletes. Through consistent development programs, outstanding students are expected to represent Deli Serdang at both provincial and national competitions.
To recognize and motivate participants, Asri Ludin instructed the organizing committee to provide awards for the tournament's best players, top scorers, and winners of the chess competition.
According to him, the awards could take the form of educational assistance or sports equipment tailored to each discipline. Such recognition is expected to encourage students to continue improving their skills and pursuing excellence.
Beyond competition awards, the Deli Serdang Regency Government also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the educational pathways of students who excel in sports.
Asri Ludin said his administration would coordinate with the North Sumatra Provincial Government to ensure talented young athletes receive greater opportunities to continue their education through the sports achievement admission pathway.
"I will coordinate with the North Sumatra Provincial Government so that children from Deli Serdang who achieve success in sports can continue their education at senior high school through the achievement-based admission pathway. They deserve the same opportunity to pursue their dreams," he stressed.
On the occasion, Asri Ludin reminded all participants to compete with integrity and uphold the values of fair play and sportsmanship. He emphasized that true success is defined not only by victory but also by character and the process demonstrated throughout the competition.
"Become champions in an honorable and honest way. Success earned through integrity and hard work will serve as a strong foundation for your future," he said.
Through the 2026 GSI Football Tournament and Chess Championship, the Deli Serdang Regency Government hopes to produce more young athletes who possess strong skills, character, and a healthy competitive spirit.
The event also serves as a platform for students to showcase their abilities while strengthening the culture of sports within schools. With sustained coaching and development, young athletes from Deli Serdang are expected to achieve even greater success in competitions at higher levels. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Edi Saputra | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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