Berlin, September 2, 2024 – Athan Cup 2024 once again ignited the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie. This biennial event, held to commemorate the Indonesian National Armed Forces Day (HUT TNI), was successfully organized from August 31 to September 1, 2024, in the heart of Germany’s capital, at Hauptstraße 125a, Berlin. The event attracted over 150 participants and was initiated by the Department of Youth and Education of PPI Germany, inviting students from various parts of Germany to gather and compete in a spirit of unity.
This year’s Athan Cup was especially meaningful as it not only celebrated Indonesian National Armed Forces Day (HUT TNI) but also served as a farewell tribute to Colonel Budi Wibowo, the Indonesian Defense Attaché in Berlin, who will soon return to Indonesia after his distinguished service. Filled with gratitude, Colonel Budi expressed, “Athan Cup 2024 was so exciting! The participants were full of energy, and everyone was happy. Thank you very much to the organizing committee for preparing this in such a short time. My hope for the future is that the spirit to keep fighting, being sportive, exercising, gathering, and connecting with all Indonesian students will be preserved through various activities, including the next Athan Cup. Athan Cup is awesome!”
The opening of Athan Cup was marked by a symbolic first kick from Colonel Budi Wibowo, representing hope for a competition not only focused on victory but also on the friendships forged among the participants. Over the course of two energetic days, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CEST on the first day, and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CEST on the second day, volleyball, badminton, and futsal matches filled the vibrant atmosphere of Berlin. Participants from cities such as Hannover, Bremen, Munich, Hamburg, Berlin, Thuringia, Rostock, Anhalt, Halle, Leipzig, Dresden, and Wismar came together in the spirit of unity.
One of the stars shining brightly during Athan Cup was Ulrich from the Indo Bärliner team, who achieved success across various sports disciplines. Ulrich shared his joy, “The first impression is definitely happiness because so many people were invited from other cities, and thank God we managed to win first place, not only in futsal but also in other sports. I even became the top scorer. I’m personally very happy.”
Behind the success of this event stands the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Rana Khola Andaradanta, who proudly watched the event unfold smoothly. “The event was incredibly exciting, with high enthusiasm from the participants, visitors, and organizers alike. My hope is that the next Athan Cup will be even more prestigious and fun. And may Athan Cup continue to grow into the most prestigious and best sportfest in Germany,” he stated.
Athan Cup 2024 is more than just a competition. It is a bridge connecting hearts that long for togetherness, a platform that nurtures the spirit of brotherhood in a foreign land. With the collaboration between PPI Germany (PPI Jerman) and its branches under the auspices of the Indonesian Embassy in Berlin (KBRI Berlin), Athan Cup is expected to continue sowing the seeds of unity and become an annual celebration that is eagerly anticipated.
Authors: Joana Margaretha and Santi Ananda Sari | Editor: Iren Chrestella