IDNtribune.com, Lombok Tengah, NTB – The 2024 TNI Commander’s Cup Paragliding Tournament kicked off on Thursday, October 17, at SkyLancing, Central Lombok, marking the start of an intense four-day competition. Air Marshal Dr. Budhi Achmadi, Commander of Air Force Operations II (Pangkoopsud), officially opened the event as part of the Indonesian National Armed Forces’ (TNI) 79th anniversary celebrations.

The tournament has drawn 150 athletes from various regions across Indonesia, competing in five categories: Military-Police, Junior Men, Junior Women, Senior Men, and Senior Women. Organizing committee chairman, Colonel Sonny Irawan, emphasized that the event goes beyond athletic competition, serving as a meeting point for paragliders nationwide to strengthen their community bonds.

Air Marshal Dr. Budhi Achmadi, Commander of Air Force Operations II (Pangkoopsud) (Photo by Jafar G Bua/IDNtribune.com)

Representing TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, Air Marshal Achmadi underscored the importance of the tournament in fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship among athletes, military personnel, and civilians alike. “Sports, particularly performance-based athletics, are a means to drive comprehensive change—physically, mentally, and emotionally. These values of sportsmanship, honor, responsibility, and teamwork are crucial,” Achmadi stated during the opening ceremony.

This year’s tournament aligns with the TNI anniversary theme, “A Modern TNI with the People, Ready to Support National Leadership Transition for a Progressive Indonesia.” According to Achmadi, the theme emphasizes the role of paragliding in fostering resilient, high-achieving athletes and military personnel, contributing to the nation’s development.

Paragliding Athletes in Action at SkyLancing, Central Lombok, NTB (Photo by Jafar G Bua/IDNtribune.com)

More than just a competition, the tournament serves as a platform to enhance coordination among sports officials and reinforce unity between the military, police, and civilians. Achmadi expressed his appreciation for the organizing team and all parties involved in making this prestigious event possible.

“I urge all athletes to compete with integrity and the spirit of true sportsmanship. Use this opportunity to test your skills, build solidarity, and grow stronger together,” he advised, encouraging participants to approach the event with determination.

Paragliding Athletes in Action at SkyLancing Paragliding Site with Lancing Beach in the background. (Photo by Jafar G Bua/IDNtribune.com)

In a further boost to the tournament, Asgaf Umar, Chairman of the Paragliding Association of Indonesia, highlighted the involvement of TNI and police officers alongside professional athletes. He also expressed hopes for the TNI Commander’s Cup to become an annual fixture in the national paragliding scene, aiding in the development of junior athletes.

In a unique logistical move, athletes were transported to and from Lombok via Indonesian Air Force planes, including Hercules and Boeing 737 aircraft, under the directive of Air Marshal Achmadi. The aircraft carried athletes from cities such as Palu, Makassar, Manado, Banjarmasin, Madiun, and Jakarta to Central Lombok, making the journey as remarkable as the competition itself. ***