EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – The first edition of the Muhammadiyah Games 2026 has officially begun, with archery becoming the first sport contested in Yogyakarta from May 13 to 17.
The multi-sport event, organized by Muhammadiyah, will run through May 21 across three Indonesian cities: Surakarta, Yogyakarta, and Purwokerto.
Irwan Akib, a Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Central Board, said the event is designed not only as a sporting competition but also as a platform for friendship, character-building, and talent development.
“Of course, athletes come with hopes of winning medals,” Mr. Irwan said on Friday (15/5) at Muhammadiyah Central Board’s Headquarters. “But beyond that, this moment should strengthen bonds among participants.”
He added that athletes are expected to compete seriously while maintaining sportsmanship and moral integrity, values that Muhammadiyah considers part of its broader social and religious mission.
“This event is not merely about competition,” he said. “Athletes should demonstrate exemplary conduct and become part of Muhammadiyah’s outreach through sports.”
Six Sports Featured Across Three Cities
According to Fajar Junaedi, secretary of Muhammadiyah Sports Development Department, the games will feature six sports: table tennis, archery, pencak silat, badminton, athletics, and volleyball.
Although several competitions have already started, the official opening ceremony is scheduled for May 16 at Universitas Ahmad Dahlan.
The competition schedule includes:
- Table tennis at Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto on May 16
- Archery at Universitas Ahmad Dahlan from May 13 to 17
- Pencak silat at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta from May 14 to 17
- Badminton at Heyna Sport Center from May 16 to 19
- Athletics at Mandala Krida Stadium from May 17 to 18
- Volleyball from May 16 to 21
Sports and Organizational Consolidation
Beyond athletic competition, Muhammadiyah leaders said the event also serves as a platform to strengthen institutional coordination across the organization’s educational and youth networks.
A national meeting is scheduled for May 19 at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta as part of the broader series of activities.
Organizers have also planned community-oriented programs during the games. One of them, Senam Anak Indonesia, a children’s fitness event, will take place on May 16 at Universitas Ahmad Dahlan.
Muhammadiyah officials hope the inaugural games will become a long-term platform for nurturing athletic talent while promoting unity, health, and positive social values among students from Muhammadiyah educational institutions across Indonesia.
