Expand the Athletic Development Pathway from KU 8 to KU 18

Bakti Olahraga Djarum Foundation and MilkLife once again collaborated with the All-Indonesian Athletics Association (PASI) of Kudus Regency to hold the MilkLife Athletics Challenge Series 1 2026, which took place from Wednesday (July 15) to Saturday (July 18) at Supersoccer Arena, Kudus, Central Java. This competition was participated in by 2,270 students from 196 Madrasah Ibtidaiyah (MI), Elementary Schools (SD), Madrasah Tsanawiyah (MTs), Junior High Schools (SMP), Senior High Schools (SMA), Madrasah Aliyah (MA), and Vocational High Schools (SMK) in the Kudus area and its surroundings.

In this year's event, there are five age groups (KU 8, KU 10, KU 12, KU 15, and KU 18) and 23 sports categories being contested, namely 40-meter Run, 60-meter Run, 80-meter Run, 100-meter Run, 400-meter Run, 800-meter Run, 1000-meter Run, 1500-meter Run, 2000-meter Race Walk, 3000-meter Race Walk, 8 x 50-meter Mixed Relay, 5 x 80-meter Relay, 4 x 100-meter Relay, 4 x 400-meter Mixed Relay, Kanga’s Escape, Formula 1, Frog Jump, Turbo Throw, Long Jump, Shot Put, High Jump, Javelin Throw, and Discus Throw.

Welly Arisanto, as the Deputy Program Manager of the Bakti Olahraga Djarum Foundation, stated that the addition of age groups in this year's MilkLife Athletic Challenge aims to expand the chain of athletic regeneration from the grassroots level. This is in line with the spirit of the Bakti Olahraga Djarum Foundation, which focuses on early childhood development in various sports.

"By introducing the 8-year-old age group in the 2026 series 1, we want to cut the starting line of development even earlier." At the golden age of children, their motor coordination is rapidly developing. Thru the MilkLife Athletics Challenge, we facilitate them to understand the foundations of athletics in a competitive yet enjoyable way," he said.

Welly added that not only is the age segmentation being expanded, but innovation is also being implemented in the aspect of race number variations that focus more on basic talent development by including prestigious events such as sprints and high jumps. Additionally, there has been a realignment in several heavy race events that are no longer being contested.

"This year, we also refreshed the choice of race events by including variations like the 800-meter run and high jump, which are more effective in measuring their basic potential. On the other hand, we chose to be more selective with events that require extreme physical endurance, such as the 3,000-meter run, or events with a high risk of joint injuries in children, like the triple jump." We want participants to focus on adaptive athletic events that are suitable for their growth and development, so that the talent search process is safer and more directed," he continued.

Firdaus, Chairman of the Indonesian Athletics Association (PASI) Kudus, stated that the development of early childhood athletics in Central Java continues to show a promising trend with the regular organization of the MilkLife Athletics Challenge since 2024. The event, which combines the concept of competition and educational fun games, has proven effective in attracting the interest of thousands of students from various school levels. According to him, this championship is no longer just a stage for introducing athletics, but has transformed into a hub for nurturing potential athletes who are believed to be able to become a new pillar of strength ready to represent Central Java in prestigious regional and national events.

"The development of the children's quality from series to series is extraordinary." Regular competitions like this have successfully changed the perception that athletics is intimidating, into a fun adventure for schoolchildren. The impact is that their passion for achievement grows organically. We are very optimistic that Kudus is in the process of producing a new generation of outstanding athletes who are ready to represent Central Java at the provincial level events like Porprov, and even at the national level like Popnas. We also hope that the MilkLife Athletics Challenge next year can be held at the provincial level," he said.

As a form of commitment, a structured and continuous follow-up training plan has been prepared so that the great potential of these students can be channeled correctly toward professional-level achievements. "Our task is to ensure that the talents identified from this event receive continuous and centralized follow-up training, and to continuously provide competitive experience to mature their competitive mentality before entering official regional or national championships," added Firdaus.

MTsN 1 Kudus Retains the Overall Champion Title KU 15

The euphoria of happiness radiated from the representatives of MTsN 1 Kudus, who were crowned as the Overall Champion of the MilkLife Athletics Challenge Series 1 2026 KU 15. Successfully defending the title won last year, Dimas Maulana, one of the teachers representing his school, expressed gratitude for the achievements of his students. Successfully securing seven golds, three silvers, and two bronzes, he stated that the training event for the athletics branch initiated by the Bakti Olahraga Djarum Foundation is the right platform to hone talents and train discipline, as well as the sportsmanship spirit of potential future athletes.

"The MilkLife Athletics Challenge is an extraordinary event, especially since the children turned out to have talent in athletics." For that reason, we also try our best to provide them with facilities in several branches of athletic competitions thru extracurricular activities. "Hopefully, we can consistently maintain and even improve this achievement to contribute to the emergence of athletic sports talents from Kudus," he said.

Connector of Hope to the National Training Center

One of the athletes from Kudus who caught attention at the MilkLife Athletics Challenge Series 1 2026 from KU 18 is Adyatama Fawwaz Oktoraza, who successfully secured the top podium in the prestigious Men's 400-meter race. The student from MAN 2 Kudus also contributed as the final runner in his school's victory in the mixed 4 x 400 relay. The runner, who also represented Kudus in the Central Java Sports and Arts Week (PORSENI) in 2025, believes that the MilkLife Athletics Challenge is an ideal medium for developing skills and increasing experience to achieve big dreams in the field of athletics.

"This championship is certainly very positive, I see more and more students interested in participating." As for me, this victory is very valuable. For now and in the future, I will focus more on the 400-meter event. Hopefully, this will also be a way for me to qualify for the National Training Center and, God willing, become part of the national athletics team," he said.

EXPLANATION OF COMPETITION CATEGORIES:

1. 40-meter run (KU 8), 60-meter run (KU 10 & KU 12), 80-meter run (KU 15), 100-meter and 400-meter run (KU 18)

These are short-distance sprint races at distances of 40 meters, 60 meters, 80 meters, 100 meters, and 400 meters that require participants to run at maximum speed on the track.

2. 800-meter run (KU 15), 1,000-meter run (KU 12), 1,500-meter run (KU 18) A middle-distance running event that demands a combination of speed, endurance, and rhythm management. Participants run at a maximum speed of around 2.5 track lengths (for KU 12) and 3.75 track lengths (for KU 18). This competition is aimed at participants who have an interest in long-distance running events in athletics.

3. Mixed 8 x 50 meter relay (KU 10 & KU 12) and 5 x 80 meter (KU 15)

This is a relay race with a track length of 400 meters. One team consists of eight people (4 male athletes, 4 female athletes) for KU 10 & KU 12, and five people for KU 15, where each participant carries a baton, running 50 meters (KU 10 & KU 12) and 80 meters (KU 15). Next, the participants pass the baton to their teammates. The winning team is the one that brings the baton to the finish line the fastest.

4. 4 x 100 meter relay (KU 18)

It is a relay race with a total track length of 400 meters and is one of the athletic events contested in the Olympics. One team consists of four runners, and each will cover a distance of 100 meters on a designated track. Each athlete must carry the baton and pass it to the next team member. The winning team is the one that brings the baton to the finish line the fastest.

5. Mixed 4 x 400 meter Relay (U18)

One of the relay races contested in the Olympics, with a total track length of 1,600 meters. One team consists of four runners (male & female) and each will cover a distance of 400 meters, in other words, each runner will complete one full lap of the track. Each runner must maintain the rhythm and ensure the baton exchange occurs safely without losing momentum.

6. 2,000-meter Race Walk (Men's U15) and 3,000-meter Race Walk (Men's U18)

Participants walk at a high speed, but not run, and must keep one foot always touching the ground. With an upright posture, eyes looking straight ahead, and relaxed shoulders. Meanwhile, the arm movements must be balanced, neither too stiff nor excessive.

 

7. Kanga's Escape (KU 10 & KU 12)

This is a competition that combines hurdles and sprinting over a distance of 40 meters. On that track, there are four obstacles 50 cm high every 6 meters that require participants to jump over them until they reach the finish line. Kanga’s Escape is a team sport consisting of three athletes. This competition is aimed at identifying potential athletes for the 110-meter hurdles event.

8. Formula 1 (KU 10 & KU 12)

Similar to a car racing event, this game also features a circuit-shaped track measuring 80 meters. Not only running, participants are also required to perform sprinting, rolling, hurdle jumping, and zigzag running (slalom course). Formula 1 is a team sport that combines elements of strength, agility, and speed of the participants. This sport is similar to the 400m hurdles in athletics.

9. Frog Jump (KU 10)

As the name suggests, the Frog Jump requires athletes to jump with both feet shoulder-width apart, then perform forward jumps without using barriers for a total of three direct jumps. In this event, the element of developing leg muscle power is directed toward the long jump event.

10. Turbo Throw (KU 10)

It is a competition to throw a device called a turbo that resembles a 30 cm long rocket, made of PVC with a rubber rocket tip and a plastic tail. This sport relies on hand muscle strength, with the farthest thrower receiving the highest points. This competition is aimed at athletes who want to pursue the javelin throw event in athletics.

11. Shot Put (KU 12, KU 15 & KU 18)

Participants perform the motion of pushing or throwing the shot from the shoulder using one hand, with the aim of achieving the farthest possible throw. This sport requires strength, proper technique, and strategy to maximize the throwing distance.

12. Long Jump (KU 15, and KU 18)

Jumping as far as possible from the starting point to the landing point. This sport involves a running start, a push-off with one foot, soaring thru the air, and landing in a sand pit.

13. Javelin Throw (KU 15 & KU 18)

Throwing a long stick (javelin) as far as possible. Participants need strength, speed, and good coordination. The javelin used is similar to a spear, but lighter and with a pointed tip.

14. Discus Throw (KU 15 & KU 18)

Participants throw the discus to achieve the farthest throw using proper technique and strength. The discus is made of wood shaped like a plate with a metal or other flat, round band.

15. High Jump (KU 15 & KU 18)

Is an athletics sport where athletes must jump over a horizontal bar at a certain height without knocking it down. Participants are tested on their ability to jump as high as possible without the aid of equipment.