The prestigious 2026 Badung Regent Cup officially opened on Sunday (12/7), marking the start of a large-scale sports competition series in Badung Regency. The fin swimming sub-discipline of diving at the Tirta Arum Swimming Pool in Abiansemal and badminton matches in Kerobokan served as the opening events for the schedule running through September.
This year's event features 40 sports under the auspices of the Badung Regency National Sports Committee (KONI). General Chairman of KONI Badung, I Made Sutama, emphasized that this tournament is not merely about competing for medals, but serves as a benchmark for achievement development and a strategic effort to recruit talented athletes to retain the overall championship title at the 2027 Bali Provincial Sports Week (Porprov).
Participant enthusiasm is remarkably high, particularly in fin swimming, which attracted 519 athletes from various regions across Indonesia as well as international participants from South Korea. The involvement of athletes across age levels, from early childhood education to university students, is seen as a concrete step in early athlete regeneration.
Chairman of PB POSSI Indonesia, Police Commissioner General M. Luthfi Rahman, expressed appreciation for the region's commitment to nurturing athletes. He also encouraged Badung to acquire international-standard swimming facilities so it can host world championships in the future.
Responding to this, Badung Regent I Wayan Adi Arnawa stated that the local government is committed to strengthening the sport tourism sector. As an initial step, the Badung Regency Government plans land acquisition for stadium construction in Abiansemal and the provision of international-standard swimming facilities in 2026.
The infrastructure is projected as a long-term investment to support athlete training while attracting visitors through hosting various national and international sports events. With adequate facilities, Badung is expected to solidify its position as a premier sports-based tourism destination in Indonesia.
