The Badung Regency Government officially kicked off the 2026 Badung Regent's Cup series, centered at the Tirta Arum Swimming Pool in Blahkiuh Village, Abiansemal District, on Sunday (12/7). This major championship covers 40 sports branches and will run until September 2026.
The opening ceremony, marked by the symbolic release of doves and air balloons, also launched the Badung Finswimming Open 2026. This fin-swimming competition drew widespread attention with 519 athletes participating from various regions across Indonesia, as well as international competitors from South Korea. The events are spread across multiple venues, including pool events at Tirta Arum and open water categories at Muaya Beach, Jimbaran.
Regent of Badung, I Wayan Adi Arnawa, emphasized that this initiative is a strategic step to create a more sustainable sports ecosystem. He instructed the Badung KONI to formulate a planned and routine event calendar so that local athlete development operates consistently throughout the year rather than sporadically.
Furthermore, Regent Adi Arnawa revealed the Badung Regency Government's commitment to strengthening supporting infrastructure, including plans to build a stadium in the Abiansemal area and an international-standard swimming pool. This effort is a concrete step toward making Badung a host for various world championships while boosting tourist visits through the sport tourism segment.
General Chairman of PB POSSI, Police Commissioner General Makhruzi Rahman, appreciated the local government's step in supporting national athlete regeneration. According to him, routine competitions are the main key to nurturing talented individuals capable of competing at the international level.
On the other hand, Chairman of KONI Badung, I Made Sutama, stated that this event serves as a crucial evaluation platform ahead of the 2027 Bali Provincial Sports Week (Porprov) in Buleleng. Badung's main goal is to defend its overall championship title for the 11th consecutive time, while monitoring the readiness of potential athletes who will represent the region in the future.
