PORTALJABAR, GARUT REGENCY - The Regent of Garut, Abdusy Syakur Amin, attended the Opening of the West Java Athletics Championship Invitation, which was held at the Dalem Bintang SOR RAA Adiwijaya Stadium, Tarogong Kidul District, Garut Regency, Saturday (23/5/2026).

The Regent of Garut emphasized the importance of holding regular competitions as a strategic step in identifying top talent. This event, which provides a platform for young athletes, is expected to be a catalyst for the revival of athletics in Garut Regency.

"The more competitions we have, the more talented we'll be able to find. I hope there will be more competitions like this in the future. Hopefully, we can also promote sports in the regions, for example, at the sub-district level," he said.

The Garut Regent highlighted the enormous potential of Garut's population of 2.8 million. He encouraged all stakeholders, including the Education Department, to intensify the promotion of athletics in order to produce more accomplished athletes from within the region.

"There are 700 numbers, which I think is a significant step to encourage the growth of sports, especially athletics, in Garut Regency," said the Garut Regent.

Echoing this sentiment, Asep Mulyana, Head of the Garut Regency Youth and Sports Agency (Dispora), welcomed the interregional collaboration. He hopes this championship will serve as a catalyst for improving the quality of athletics, both in Garut and West Java in general.

"On this occasion, I would like to express my gratitude to all of Garut Regency, especially those from outside Garut. This is the current situation in Garut Regency. I hope you can also take advantage of the tourist destinations in Garut Regency and bring good name to Garut Regency," said Asep.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the All-Indonesia Athletics Association (PASI) of Garut Regency, Subhan Fahmi, detailed that this championship was attended by 400 participants from 11 regencies/cities with a total of 700 competition numbers. According to Subhan, this activity is a strategic event for athletes to hone their skills ahead of the Provincial Sports Week (Porprov).

"This is also because we're preparing for the Porprov (Provincial Sports Week). We held BK yesterday, and thank God, PASI Garut won five gold medals, placing in the top four in West Java, beating out other regencies. Hopefully, we can finish in the top three at the Porprov and win even more gold medals," Subhan concluded. (Garut Communications and Information Service/rka)