562 Young Archery Athletes Compete in Competitive Shooting Skills

Thousands of arrows were successfully shot at the MilkLife Archery Challenge 2026 Series 1 held at Supersoccer Arena, Kudus, Central Java, starting Thursday (30/4) and reaching its peak on Saturday (2/5). A total of 562 talented young archers from 120 Elementary Schools (SD) / Islamic Elementary Schools (MI) and 17 Junior High Schools (SMP) / Islamic Junior High Schools (MTs) from various regions in Central Java competed competitively to hit the target, aiming to score the highest points and bring home the champion title.

This year, the participants of the tournament initiated by the Bakti Olahraga Djarum Foundation and MilkLife are divided into five categories, including National U-10, National U-13, National U-15, PVC U-10, and PVC U-13. They compete individually and in teams to bring glory to their respective schools on the highest podium.

Program Director of the Djarum Foundation Sports Charity, Yoppy Rosimin, stated that the MilkLife Archery Challenge 2026 Series 1 is being held again as a competition platform for young archery athletes to develop their skills and gain more competitive experience. This tournament is also part of the ongoing efforts of the Djarum Foundation's Sports Charity to support the development of young archery athletes, particularly in the U-10, U-13, and U-15 categories. With continuously honed competitive experience, potential young athletes from various regions are equipped to develop and improve their achievements in the future.

"Competitions like this play an important role in maintaining the continuity of the training process for young athletes." We want to ensure that athletes have the opportunity to compete consistently, so that their technical skills, competitive mentality, and self-confidence can grow optimally. MilkLife Archery Challenge not only serves as a competition arena but also as a learning space for young athletes to develop. The hope is that from this tournament, more young archers will emerge who can excel and bring honor to their regions and Indonesia," said Yoppy.

The Chairperson of the MilkLife Archery Challenge Series 1 2026, Vera Eka Wardani, stated that the expanding age range of participants further strengthens the grassroots archery sports ecosystem. On the other hand, according to Vera, the participants compete in a competitive atmosphere, demonstrating precision in aiming, calmness, and high sportsmanship.

"In this series, we have adjusted to the PB Perpani regulations by using the 'Under' age category so that more young athletes can participate." The hope is to further cultivate students' love for archery, which will strengthen the sustainability of the archery sports ecosystem. Thus, in the future, a generation of quality archery athletes can be created, capable of contributing to Indonesia's achievements, as they have been trained in competitive tournaments like the MilkLife Archery Challenge from an early age," explained Vera.

Competitive Spirit to Reach the Highest Podium

The final match for the MilkLife Archery Challenge Series 1 2026 championship title took place with high tension and a competitive atmosphere. The finalists in the individual category performed with full focus, competing in precision and consistency with each shot to gather maximum points in every set. The tight scoring made the match even more dramatic, with each arrow released becoming a crucial determinant of victory.

In the final match of the PVC U-10 Girls category, Anindhita Keysia Sukmawardhana, a student from MI NU Banat Kudus, faced Alesha Makaila Kheiran, a representative from SD Al Islam Pengkol. The calmness and focus of Keysia while shooting the arrows led her to a smooth victory, winning 3 series in a row with a set point of 6-0 (78-64). Meanwhile, in the PVC 10 Boys category, Louis Kafabillah Hasan from SDUT Bumi Kartini Jepara secured the gold medal after defeating Ahmad Sholahuddin Yusuf Al Ayy from MIM Al Tanbih in 4 series with a set point of 6-2 (100-93). Although it was tied in the 2nd and 3rd series, in the 4th series, one of Ahmad's arrows missed the target. This became Louis's opportunity to steal points and secure victory in the fourth series.

In the PVC U-13 Girls category, Annahiza Qiana Syakira from Al Ihsan Integrated Islamic Elementary School won in 4 sets against Aura Nagita Anggraeni from Sanetan Public Elementary School with a set point of 6-2 (111-109). Having fallen behind in the first series, it didn't make Annahiza lose her nerve. He confidently aimed for the highest points in the last three series. Meanwhile, in the PVC U-13 Boys category, Ahmad Umar Al Fatih from MIM Al Tanbih faced Muhammad Rajib Mahasin from MIN Kudus. Al Fatih was able to score nearly perfect points for 3 arrows in each series. He secured the championship title in the 4th series with a set point of 7-1 (118-109).

The patience and focus displayed by Fatih in the archery arena became the main assets of his victory in this series. Fatih has participated three times in the MilkLife Archery Challenge. In the first series in 2025, he secured the second podium, and in the second series, he managed to win a gold medal. This time, thanks to his diligence in practicing every day at school and the archery club, he was able to defend his championship title. "This year, the opponents were extraordinary, all the players were skilled and accurate. But in the final, I remained calm and aimed with patience, so my arrows could score high points. "I want to continue being a champion, so practicing technique and mental strength is necessary," said Fatih.

In the National U-10 Girls category, Latisya Innara Surya Putri from SD Negeri 7 Wonogiri faced Azka Aulia Nurinnajwa from SD Islam Al Furqon with a set point of 6-0 (89-79). Latisya was able to score perfectly in the 1st and 2nd series. In the third series, she took the lead again and secured the championship title. "Before the match, the coach advised me to relax, so that helped me stay more focused during the final." Even tho this was my first time in the finals, I was confident in aiming at the target. It feels great to be able to bring home a gold medal this time," said the 9-year-old young archer.

Latisya's success is not something that came instantly. Behind her achievements today, there is a long process full of ups and downs. In the previous event, he was unable to go far, but from that, a new spirit of improvement emerged.

As both a parent and a coach, Eko Suryadi chose a gradual and patient approach. He first nurtured Latisya's love for archery before talking about targets and achievements. Regular practice at home and participation in the club have also been important parts of her skill development.

"I never directly demand results." What I prioritize first is ensuring that Latisya truly enjoys archery. Once the passion is strong, I gradually guide them toward technique, discipline, and how to handle pressure during competitions. Children who train with joy in their hearts are usually calmer on the field, and from there, their performance can be maximized," said Eko.

In the final of the U-10 National boys' category, an intense duel occurred between Ardifa Oceano Mahasin, representing SD Muhammadiyah 02 Bendan, and Nurulli Hidayatulloh, representing SD Umar Bin Khatab Juwana, with a set point of 7-1 (115-107). Ardifa was able to remain calm in 4 series, allowing him to accumulate the highest score.

In the National U-13 Girls category, Aisyah Aulia Syifaunnisa from MIN 2 Wonogiri and Naura Ulya Nur Asriati, a student from MIN 2 Sukoharjo, fought quite fiercely. Playing 5 series, Aisyah was able to close the final match with a set point of 7-3 (173-130). In the National U-13 Boys sector, Judistira Putra Wiarta from SD Umar Bin Khatab Juwana faced Array Adhyasta Pranaja from SD Negeri Pati Kidul 01. Playing in a fierce 4-set match, both chased perfect points until Judistira finally secured victory with a set point of 6-2 (113-113).

In the U-15 National category, Nadia Salsabila from SMP Islam Diponegoro Surakarta faced Putri Gaby Denillo Julianto from SMP Negeri 1 Kebumen in the final match arena. Intense in 5 series, Nadia ended the final match with a set point of 6-4 (126-127). Meanwhile, in the National U-15 Boys category, Fathir Athailla Afandi from SMP Insan Gemilang faced Althaf Rafi Syarif from SMP Muhammadiyah Plus Salatiga. Fathir won the gold medal in three straight sets with a set point of 6-0 (79-71).

An outstanding performance was displayed by the Srikandi of MI NU Banat, who once again brought home the overall champion trophy of the MilkLife Archery Challenge Series 1 2026. With a team of 46 female athletes, MI NU Banat managed to collect 3 gold medals (1 individual event, 2 team events) and 1 silver medal. This achievement led MI NU Banat to secure a hat-trick of overall championships, obtained thru consistent training and the commitment of the school, students, and parents to participate in archery.

"Alhamdulillah, praise and gratitude to Allah SWT, the support system from the foundation and parents, and especially from the Bakti Olahraga Djarum Foundation and PB Perpani Kudus." Our students are very enthusiastic about practicing archery at SuperSoccer Arena every Friday, and as a result, we have achieved this accomplishment once again. Next, we will definitely continue to strive to maintain this title by deploying quality archery athletes," said the Head of MI NU Banat, Faukhil Wardati.

List of winners of the MilkLife Archery Challenge 2026 Series 1

A. National U-15 Girls

1. Gold - Nadia Salsabila - SMP Islam Diponegoro Surakarta
2. Silver - Putri Gaby Denillo Julianto - SMP Negeri 1 Kebumen

B. National U-15 Boys

1. Gold - Fathir Athailla Afandi - SMP Insan Gemilang
2. Silver - Althaf Rafi Syarif - SMP Muhammadiyah Plus Salatiga

C. National U-13 Girls

1. Gold - Aisyah Aulia Syifaunnisa - MIN 2 Wonogiri
2. Silver - Naura Ulya Nur Asriati - MIN 2 Sukoharjo

D. National U-13 Boys

1. Gold - Judistira Putra Wiarta - SD Umar Bin Khatab Juwana
2. Silver - Array Adhyasta Pranaja - SD Negeri Pati Kidul 01

E. National U-10 Girls

1. Gold - Latisya Innara Surya Putri - SD Negeri 7 Wonogiri
2. Silver - Azka Aulia Nurinnajwa - SD Islam Al Furqon

F. National U-10 Boys

1. Gold - Ardifa Oceano Mahasin - SD Muhammadiyah 02 Bendan
2. Silver - Nurulli Hidayatulloh - SD Umar Bin Khatab Juwana

G. PVC U-13 Girls

1. Gold - Annahiza Qiana Syakira - SD Islam Terpadu Al Ihsan
2. Silver - Naura Ulya Nur Asriati - MIN 2 Sukoharjo

H. PVC U-13 Boys

1. Gold - Ahmad Umar Al Fatih - MIM Al Tanbih
2. Silver - Muhammad Rajib Mahasin - MIN Kudus

I. PVC U-10 Girls

1. Gold - Anindhita Keysia Sukmawardhana - MI NU Banat Kudus
2. Silver - Alesha Makaila Kheiran - SD Al Islam Pengkol

J. PVC U-10 Boys

1. Gold - Louis Kafabillah Hasan - SDUT Bumi Kartini Jepara
2. Silver - Ahmad Sholahuddin Yusuf Al Ayy - MIM Al Tanbih