The inaugural match of the soccer branch in the 5th Regional Student Sports Week (Popda V) of North Central Timor (TTU) Regency in 2026 has officially kicked off. This momentum was marked by the ceremonial kick-off performed by the Assistant for Government and Welfare (Kesra) of the TTU Regional Secretariat, Drs. Kristoforus Ukat, at Oemanu Field, Kefamenanu, on Tuesday (28/7/2026).
The opening ceremony marked the beginning of fierce competition among young athletes, starting with a boys' mini soccer match between State Junior High School (SMPN) Lansese and State Junior High School (SMPN) Oemasi. This opening match immediately triggered high enthusiasm from thousands of spectators who crowded the field area.
In addition to boys' and girls' mini soccer, this year's Popda V TTU also features several other popular sports. Futsal and volleyball competitions, for both boys' and girls' categories, are also being contested, involving students from elementary (SD/MI), junior high (SMP/MTs), and senior high (SMA/SMK) school levels across TTU Regency.
The opening procession of this student sports competition was witnessed firsthand by members of the TTU Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), coaches, officials, and all competing athletes. The presence of the local community crowding the stands of Oemanu Field added to the festive atmosphere of this inaugural match.
On the first day, excitement was also present in the junior high school futsal category, which pitted SMP Aurora against SMP Santo Antonius Padua Sasi. Meanwhile, in the elementary school mini soccer category, tight competition was showcased in the match between SD Maubeli and SD Sipi.
