JAKARTA, PERGATSI – A structured athlete development program, regular competitions, a ranking system, and athlete regeneration have been key to the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) qualifying for the semifinals in six events at the 2026 National Gateball Championship. Of the 11 events entered, DIY reached the semifinals in six and ranked second overall behind Central Sulawesi.
Deputy Chairman of Pergatsi DIY, Julisetiono, said the achievement was the result of continuous athlete development, starting at the regency and municipal levels and progressing to higher-level competitions. Developing athletes from school age is one of the strategies used to nurture high-performing players while ensuring a sustainable pipeline of new talent.
“We start at the regency and municipal levels, including through various events. We begin at the school level, particularly junior high schools with specialized sports classes. We also organize circuits and regular championships,” Julisetiono told Lintas at the National Sports Hospital (RSON) Field in Cibubur, East Jakarta, on Saturday (October 24, 2026).
According to him, athlete development cannot rely on training alone. Athletes need regular opportunities to compete so their abilities can be assessed and improved. Competitions also allow officials and coaches to monitor players' progress and evaluate their readiness to compete at the national level.
Pergatsi DIY has also implemented an assessment and ranking system based on championship results. The system serves as one of the criteria for selecting athletes to participate in competitions, including national championships.
Julisetiono explained that the selection process involves inviting athletes to compete and assessing their individual abilities. Match results are then used as a basis for determining which athletes are qualified to represent DIY.
“Every championship carries ranking points. The system is already in place and managed by the coaches. They help identify talented and high-performing athletes who can be developed to the next level,” he said.
Coaches at the regency and municipal levels play an important role in identifying athletes' potential from an early stage. Through continuous monitoring and evaluation, athletes who demonstrate progress can be prepared for competitions with higher levels of competition.
Young Athletes
This development model is also designed to accelerate athlete regeneration. Of the 22 athletes representing DIY at the 2026 National Gateball Championship, approximately 70–80 percent were young athletes.
Julisetiono said giving young athletes opportunities to compete is essential to maintaining long-term sporting achievements. By gaining competitive experience from an early age, they are expected to develop their skills and eventually replace senior athletes when needed.
“With age restrictions in place, we need to prepare young athletes to compete. Thankfully, many young athletes are now able to participate,” he said.
Despite having a selection and ranking system, choosing athletes for the national championship still presents several challenges. Some athletes are unable to compete because of work commitments, while student-athletes must coordinate competition schedules with their school activities.
Julisetiono explained that changes to the championship schedule also affect athlete availability. Initially, the competition was expected to take place during school holidays so student-athletes could participate without disrupting their education.
These challenges mean athlete rankings cannot always serve as the sole basis for selecting the contingent. Athletes' readiness and availability on competition dates must also be taken into account.
Nevertheless, the results of the 2026 National Gateball Championship demonstrate that structured development, regular competitions, systematic evaluation, and athlete regeneration are essential to preparing players for national-level competition.
Raises Concerns Over Championship Playing Conditions
In addition to discussing athlete development, Julisetiono commented on the condition of the playing fields used for the 2026 National Gateball Championship. He said facilities at a national-level event should meet appropriate standards and provide athletes with a comfortable environment in which to compete.
He even assessed that the playing conditions at this year's championship had deteriorated compared with the previous edition. He therefore urged the Executive Board of the Indonesian Gateball Association (PB Pergatsi) to pay greater attention to field selection and preparation for future championships.
“In my assessment, the playing field conditions may have declined compared with the previous championship. The national championship is the highest-level event organized by PB Pergatsi, so it should set an example by providing suitable playing facilities,” Julisetiono said.
He explained that the quality of facilities at national championships is important because they can serve as a benchmark for competitions held in regional areas. If national championships use inadequate facilities, he is concerned that this could also affect the standards applied to local competitions.
Apart from the playing field conditions, Julisetiono said the overall competition had been organized reasonably well. Match scheduling and the availability of information through the website had helped ensure the event ran smoothly.
However, he pointed out that the absence of a scoring board made it difficult for participants and spectators to monitor match results.
“Organizational preparedness should also include a scoring board. There may be limitations in personnel or budget, but essential facilities like this should not be overlooked,” he said.
He hopes that evaluations of facilities and technical arrangements will provide a basis for improvements at the next national championship. In his view, improving competition quality must go hand in hand with athlete development to further advance Indonesian gateball.
Prambanan Cup 2027
In addition to strengthening athlete development, Pergatsi DIY plans to organize a gateball tournament in Yogyakarta in 2027. One of the planned events is the Prambanan Cup, which is scheduled to take place in May 2027.
Julisetiono said the tournament is expected to provide athletes with broader opportunities to compete and gain valuable match experience.
“We are planning to hold several tournaments in Yogyakarta. Whether they will be national or international events, athletes will have the opportunity to participate. Stay tuned for the official announcement,” Julisetiono concluded. (PAH/CHI)
