Regional Secretary of Kupang City, Jeffry E. Pelt, officially opened the Kupang Mayor's Cup Shorinji Kempo Championship at GOR Flobamora Oepoi on Friday (19/6). This prestigious event serves as a strategic platform for young kenshi from various regions across East Nusa Tenggara to hone their skills while reinforcing discipline and leadership qualities.
In his speech, Jeffry E. Pelt, who also serves as General Chairman of Perkemi Kupang City, emphasized that Shorinji Kempo is not merely a martial art, but a character-building instrument. He hopes that through this competition, talented athletes will emerge to bring honor to the region on the national stage, while upholding the values of sportsmanship and brotherhood.
Echoing these sentiments, General Chairman of Perkemi NTT, George M. Hadjoh, highlighted the importance of this championship as momentum for the resurgence of NTT Kempo achievements. Given that NTT will host the XXII PON in 2028, he stressed that continuous development is currently crucial so local athletes can dominate and repeat past glories at the national level.
Organizing Committee Chairman, Ignasius R. Lega, explained that the tournament is attended by 500 participants from 23 dojos spread across six regencies/cities. A total of 73 match categories, covering randori and embu classes, will be contested over three days until June 21, 2026, to compete for medals and prepare the regeneration of athletes leading to POPDA 2026.
