Governor of the Riau Islands, H. Ansar Ahmad, officially opened the 10th Riau Islands Province Regional Student Sports Week (POPDA) 2026, held at the Coastal Area, Tanjung Balai Karimun, on Thursday (2/7/2026). This prestigious sporting event is scheduled to run for a week until July 8, 2026, serving as a meeting point for talented student athletes from seven regencies and cities across Kepri.
Carrying the theme "Moving Forward to Achieve Excellence, United in Harmony," the event is not merely aimed at determining medal winners. Governor Ansar emphasized that this momentum is a crucial space for forging character, discipline, and a spirit of sportsmanship among young athletes. For him, resilient athletes must be able to demonstrate high integrity, both in the competition arena and in daily life.
Furthermore, Governor Ansar stated that this 10th POPDA is the initial gateway for selecting regional athletes who are projected to represent the Riau Islands in the National Student Sports Week (POPNAS). Therefore, he instructed all organizers to conduct the competitions objectively, transparently, and professionally to recruit the best, truly qualified talents.
A total of 10 sports branches are featured in this year's event, including basketball, swimming, athletics, pencak silat, sepak takraw, table tennis, badminton, lawn tennis, football, and volleyball. Hundreds of athletes from various regions enthusiastically participated, with the contingent from Tanjungpinang City sending the largest delegation, followed by Batam, Bintan, Karimun, Lingga, the Anambas Islands, and Natuna.
In addition to strengthening the sports development ecosystem from an early age, hosting POPDA X is expected to generate a multiplier economic impact for the residents of Karimun Regency. The tourism sector, hospitality, and local MSMEs are projected to experience a positive boost throughout the event, making it a strategic investment for the region's future progress.
