DELI SERDANG | INDATANEWS.COM - The Regent of Deli Serdang, Asri Ludin Tambunan, officially opened the National Student Sports Olympiad (Olimpiade Olahraga Siswa Nasional/O2SN) for junior high school (SMP) level in 2026. The event was held on Monday, June 22, 2026, at the Deli Serdang Regency Square. The regional student sports competition brought together hundreds of participants from various subdistricts, competing across multiple sporting disciplines.
The O2SN opening ceremony took place in a solemn yet festive atmosphere, attended by hundreds of students, accompanying teachers, and school principals from junior high schools across the regency. The event was marked by the release of balloons and a parade of contingents from 22 subdistricts, symbolizing the official start of the largest school-level sports competition at the SMP level.
The strong enthusiasm of students was clearly visible throughout the event. Regent Asri Ludin Tambunan praised the high level of participation, noting that the involvement of 986 students reflects growing awareness among the younger generation about the importance of sports in personal development.
He emphasized that sports are not only a means of improving physical fitness and achieving athletic success but also open broader life opportunities for students. According to him, many individuals have managed to overcome their limitations and achieve extraordinary success through sports.
"Many children with intellectual limitations have been able to achieve their goals and become remarkable individuals through sports. Make the most of this opportunity," said Asri Ludin Tambunan.
He further encouraged all participants to use O2SN as a platform for character building, discipline, and strengthening competitive spirit.
REGENT'S ADDRESS: Asri Ludin Tambunan motivates O2SN SMP 2026 participants and emphasizes the importance of sports for students' future development. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
Futsal Emerges as the Most Popular Event
In his remarks, Asri Ludin Tambunan highlighted the strong interest in futsal, which attracted nearly 600 student participants. This high level of engagement reflects the significant potential of football development among students in Deli Serdang, which should be further nurtured in a structured manner.
He expressed hope that the competition would produce talented young athletes capable of representing the region at the national level in the future.
"We never know-perhaps one of these children from Deli Serdang will become a great football player who brings pride not only to our region but also to Indonesia. The key is to pursue every discipline with passion, hard work, and clear goals," he said.
Strengthening School-Based Sports and Education
The Regent also reaffirmed the importance of early sports development. Schools and coaches were urged to continuously support and develop students' interests and talents in sports.
Scholarship Program for High-Achieving Students
As a concrete step to support student achievement, the Deli Serdang Regency Government announced the provision of scholarships for outstanding students. The program will apply to both O2SN participants and winners of other competitions.
"We will provide scholarships for high-achieving children. Every achievement deserves recognition. This is intended to motivate young people to continue developing and pursue higher education," Asri Ludin Tambunan stated.
The initiative is part of the regional strategy to strengthen an integrated education and sports system aimed at producing a healthy, competitive, and high-performing younger generation.
OPENING PARADE: Thousands of students from various junior high schools in Deli Serdang enthusiastically participate in the opening parade of O2SN 2026. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
986 Students Compete Across Multiple Disciplines
The O2SN SMP 2026 in Deli Serdang is scheduled to take place from June 22 to June 24, 2026. Competitions are held at several venues across the regency.
Athletics events are hosted at Baharuddin Siregar Stadium, while swimming competitions take place at the Deli Serdang Regency Swimming Pool. Badminton is held at PB Arena Tanjung Morawa, and Pencak Silat is staged at the Regency Hall.
Climbing competitions are organized behind the swimming pool complex. Futsal, one of the most popular events, is held across four venues, including SMP Swasta Methodist Tanjung Morawa, SMP Swasta RK Deli Serdang, the PU Field, and SMP Negeri 2 Lubuk Pakam.
Participants represent their schools and communities with strong sporting spirit while also contributing to the regional identity of their respective subdistricts.
Strengthening Youth Sports Development
The Deli Serdang Regency Government reaffirmed its long-term commitment to nurturing young athletic talent. Through O2SN, the administration aims to identify potential athletes who can later compete at provincial and national levels.
The Regent stressed that the competition not only promotes athletic achievement but also fosters character development, discipline, and sportsmanship.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Chairperson of the Deli Serdang Family Welfare Empowerment Movement (PKK), Ny. Jelita Asri Ludin Tambunan, Head of the Education Office Suparno, teachers, and hundreds of students from various junior high schools. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Edi Saputra | EDITOR: Fik Sagala