The journey of the UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta contingent at PORSI JAWARA II grew further with two bronze medals. On the second day of competition at UIN K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) Pekalongan, Friday (9/11/2026), the two medals came from the table tennis men's and women's singles categories.
In the men's singles, the bronze medal was won by Maulana Rifqi Darmawan, a student in the Islamic Religious Education Study Program, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training. This achievement was the result of preparation carried out consistently, particularly in the lead-up to the competition.
“For preparation, of course we trained as hard as we could. We practiced every afternoon,” Maulana said.
Maulana's preparation took place alongside his community service program (KKN), which he was undertaking the previous month. This required him to manage his time between training and his KKN activities so both could proceed smoothly.
Entering the competition, Maulana faced opponents with strong competitive ability. Each match became an opportunity to apply what he had trained for while maintaining consistency in his game all the way to the end.
“Honestly, all the competitors were really, really good. Alhamdulillah, I was still given the chance to place third. I gave it everything I had,” he said.
Beyond his personal preparation, support from the university was also part of Maulana's journey throughout PORSI JAWARA II. He said this support covered various needs, from meals and training to facilities.
Winning the medal did not stop his training process. For Maulana, the experience of competing at PORSI JAWARA II actually became motivation to further strengthen his preparation for future opportunities.
He also had a message for students who will take part in future editions of PORSI, encouraging them to make training a core part of their preparation.
“Don't stop training, you have to practice every day. Because an opportunity that isn't earned through training simply can't be won,” he said.
The next medal came from the women's singles category. Najla Ardellia Sofana Hapsari Gusty, a student in the Islamic Financial Management Study Program, Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business, also secured a bronze medal for UIN Sunan Kalijaga.
Najla said her achievement stemmed from preparation carried out through a range of training sessions and sparring matches. She prepared herself thoroughly before competing in the name of UIN Sunan Kalijaga.
“My preparation before coming here was extensive. I went through all kinds of training, all kinds of balls, and a lot of sparring wherever I could get it,” Najla said.
That preparation served as her foundation when facing the atmosphere of competition. According to her, staying calm and building self-confidence were important parts of being on the court.
“I kept telling myself I could do it, that I could get through it,” she said.
Support also came from Najla's friends and family back in Yogyakarta. Although they weren't present in person at the competition arena, they continued to send encouragement through phone calls and messages.
Najla felt that same support from UIN Sunan Kalijaga. According to her, the university provided support for various needs throughout the competition, from meals and accommodation to transportation.
These two bronze medals from table tennis add to UIN Sunan Kalijaga's growing tally at PORSI JAWARA II. For Maulana and Najla, the podium marks a milestone in the process they have gone through. But both also carry home experience that will serve as fuel to keep training and growing.
“Thank you to UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta. I hope going forward we can keep advancing, keep thriving,” she said in closing. (humassk)