UMS Focuses on Sports Science to Shape Future Athletes

Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) delegated its best athletes to the 19th National Student Sports Week (POMNAS XIX), held on September 19–27, 2025. Pencak silat became one of the sports with the largest number of UMS participants. In addition to pencak silat, UMS also sent athletes to compete in badminton, wushu, and archery.

Dr. Nur Subekti, M.Or., Vice Dean III of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education at UMS, explained that the university has implemented a pencak silat training program based on Sport Science. This program emphasizes the integration of knowledge, technology, science, and Islamic values.

“For pencak silat in particular, all training is programmed, measurable, and monitored. Since the establishment of the Sports Education Department (now Physical Education), we have consistently collaborated on athlete development, scientific advancement, as well as research and community service,” said Subekti on Wednesday (24/9/2025).

The pencak silat match at the 2025 National Student Sports Week XIX, September 25, 2025. UMS athletes receive training based on Sport Science principles. UMS PR/Imam Safii. 

Beyond applying Sport Science-based training, UMS also maximizes its scholarship program for outstanding new students as part of its athlete regeneration strategy. The university actively reaches out to regions and sports clubs to discover prospective students with exceptional achievements.

“We also conduct tracer efforts to regions and sports clubs to recruit potential students who already have a proven track record of achievements during their high school years,” Subekti explained.

He added that this strategy aligns with UMS vision and mission, which does not only focus on academics but also reflects Muhammadiyah’s da’wah values. “At UMS, there is a spirit of bringing sports into society and encouraging society to embrace sports,” he concluded.

To strengthen sports achievement development, UMS has established various strategic partnerships with the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) Surakarta, the Surakarta Youth and Sports Office, and sports schools across different regions of Indonesia.

Subekti is also directly involved as part of the expert team for monitoring and evaluation at the National Sports Talent Development Center (SPOBNAS) under the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

SPOBNAS serves as a platform for sports development across Indonesia, aiming to nurture athletes who can excel at both national and international levels.

“Of course, this also shows that UMS has academics who truly understand sports development. This helps UMS gain greater recognition on the national stage,” Subekti concluded.

Writer: Roselia Puspita Asri

Editor: Fika Annisa Solihah

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid