PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Competitive mentality is the key to the success of Suthan Akram Maulana and Mutiara Asy Syifa, badminton athletes from SMA Jenderal Sudirman, Bandung City, in winning the championship title at the West Java National Student Sports Olympiad (O2SN) for SMA and SMK which took place at the Lodaya Sports Hall, Bandung City, Friday (3/7/2026).

The two eleventh-grade students performed consistently from the opening rounds to the final. Despite a tight match, they maintained their focus and secured the championship title, ensuring they would represent West Java at the national level of the National Sports Week (O2SN). They emerged victorious after defeating the men's and women's singles champions from the vocational high school (SMK) level.

Suthan admitted he didn't expect to win. He said the final against the Bandung Regency representative was the most challenging match, as he was behind.

"Thank God, I'm really happy. I didn't expect to win. The toughest match was the final against Bandung Regency. I pushed myself harder and strengthened my mentality during the match," he said recently.

Meanwhile, Mutiara said the semifinals were the most draining and demanding of energy and concentration. The chase for points made the match intense until the very end.

"Thank God, I'm grateful to have made my parents, school, and region proud. The semifinals were the toughest match because the points were always tied," said Mutiara.

Family and School Support

The success achieved by both of them certainly cannot be separated from the support of their parents, teachers, and friends who continued to provide encouragement during training and competing in the O2SN.

Ahead of the national O2SN, Suthan is determined to improve her physical condition, technical skills, and fitness to perform optimally. Similarly, Mutiara will also focus on improving her technical aspects through more intensive training.

Inspired by World Athletes

Suthan admitted to idolizing Japanese badminton player Kento Momota because he believes his playing style suits his personality. Meanwhile, Mutiara considers South Korean badminton player An Se-young an inspiration due to her endurance and competitive spirit.

Ready to Make West Java's Name Proud

With fighting spirit, hard work, and mentality that has been tested at the provincial level, Suthan Akram Maulana and Mutiara Asy Syifa are ready to bring the good name of West Java to the national level O2SN.

(Rep pun/bhf)