PORTALJABAR, BEKASI REGENCY - The implementation of the 13th Regional Student Sports Week (Popda) at the Bekasi Regency level in 2026 was officially opened by the Acting Regent of Bekasi, Asep Surya Atmaja, at the Sukatani Sport Plus Field, in front of the Sukatani District Office, Monday (25/5/2026).

In his remarks, Asep Surya Atmaja said that Popda is not just a sports competition between students, but also a space for developing character, discipline, sportsmanship, cooperation, and the fighting spirit of the young generation of Bekasi Regency.

"Through this activity, we want to produce student athletes who not only excel but also foster a spirit of brotherhood among Bekasi Regency students," he said.

He appreciated all parties who had supported the implementation of Popda XIII, starting from the committee, regional officials, schools, coaches to parents who supported their children in taking part in the student sports event.

According to him, this year's Popda will compete in 13 sports branches participated by students from 23 sub-districts in Bekasi Regency.

Asep believes the Popda event demonstrates a shared commitment to building a healthy, competitive, and sustainable student sports ecosystem. He hopes the event will produce promising athletes who can bring honor to Bekasi Regency at the provincial, national, and international levels.

"Compete with passion, discipline, and confidence. Show your best while upholding fair play. Winning and losing are part of the game, but fighting spirit and sportsmanship are the true keys to victory," he said.

He also reminded all participants to maintain their health, solidarity, and the good name of the school and Bekasi Regency during the Popda implementation.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Bekasi Regency Culture, Youth and Sports Agency, Iman Nugraha, said that the opening of Popda at Sport Plus Sukatani was a proposal from the Sukatani Sub-district Head as a form of community appreciation for the construction of the sports facility.

According to him, Sport Plus Sukatani was built through the 2025 Bekasi Regency Regional Budget with various sports facilities and public spaces, such as a jogging track, mini soccer field, basketball court, volleyball court, spectator stands and an area for MSMEs.

"Sport Plus has been built in addition to Sukatani and Tarumajaya and Cibarusah. Hopefully, every sub-district in Bekasi Regency will have similar facilities in the future," he said.

Iman added that Sport Plus is not only a sports facility but also a public space for the community to gather and maintain fitness. He hopes that Bekasi Regency will become known not only as an industrial area but also as a sports city with sports facilities that support community activities.

"A sports city must have healthy public spaces, and Sport Plus Sukatani is one example," he emphasized. (Bekasi Regency Communications and Information Office/rka)