Hunting for Young Talent at Mandiri Kejurnas Antarklub U16 and U18 in Semarang

SEMARANG - The Mandiri National Championship (Kejurnas) Antarklub U16 and U18 was held in Semarang. DPP PERBASI Secretary General Nirmala Dewi opened the implementation of the National Championship stating that the basketball event for teenagers was to hunt for talented young talents.

It is undeniable that national basketball must regenerate players. When senior players are ready to leave the national team, PERBASI hopes that a new generation will emerge that is expected to achieve achievements in international events.

The 2026 Mandiri Kejurnas Antarklub U16 and U18 Boys and Girls, which was held at Sahabat Arena, Semarang, starting Saturday (27/6/2026) is one of the events to find talented young players.

"The U16 and 18 National Games are events to get talented young players who are projected to strengthen the national team in the future. There must be a regeneration of players to maintain the gold tradition of the SEA Games. And to get young talent, of course, through this National Games," said Nirmala in Semarang.

"This championship can be a stepping stone for young players to develop their careers in basketball better. I also appreciate the clubs that came to Semarang to compete in this championship," he said again.

Furthermore, the Secretary-General emphasized sportsmanship in competing. According to him, playing with fair play and upholding sportsmanship will bring satisfaction in competing. This makes players more proud and confident.

"Winning the match is important, but remember that winning and losing are common in matches. Take this attitude normally. If you win, don't celebrate too much and the loser also don't get lost in sadness. So, continue to foster the spirit of competition and play with fair play and uphold sportsmanship," said Nirmala.

At the tournament which took place from June 27 to July 5, 2026 at Sahabat Arena, as many as 56 clubs competed to be the best in each category. The U16 Putra category was enlivened by 24 clubs. Meanwhile, in the girls' category, there were 11 clubs involved in this event.

In the U18 Boys category, as many as 15 clubs will take part. Meanwhile, for the U18 Girls, six clubs will follow. The total number of matches presented at the Sahabat Arena is 120 matches. The details are 75 matches in the U16 category and 55 matches for the U18 category.

"As directed by Mas Ketum DPP PERBASI Budisatrio Djiwandono, to form a reliable national team, we must strengthen its foundation, namely matches at a young age. The Kejurnas is part of the DPP PERBASI's efforts to provide a stage for young players to hone their abilities for the future of Indonesian basketball," said Nirmala.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Head of Competition and Development of the DPP PERBASI Azrul Ananda stated that Mandiri Kejurnas U16 and U18 were a form of consistency in providing opportunities for young players to hone their basketball skills.

Through the Kejurnas, young players get the experience of playing by meeting clubs with different characters in Indonesia.

Chairman of the Central Java PERBASI DPD Bagus Andrian John said that the Kejurnas would present a tight competition. This is because the clubs competing are the best from each city and province throughout Indonesia.

"You are basketball players who have the best talent. But if it is not accompanied by ethics, both on and off the field, it is meaningless. This is a moment for you to process to become the best," said John. (*)