Aceh – Indonesia, The 2026 UIN Ar-Raniry Rector’s Cup Football Tournament has officially kicked off at the Mini Stadium of UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh. The Rector of UIN Ar-Raniry, Prof. Mujiburrahman, reminded the players to maintain sportsmanship and to pause matches when the Asr prayer time arrives.
The inter-faculty tournament, held as part of UIN Ar-Raniry’s 63rd anniversary celebrations, is scheduled to run for nine days from October 5 to 14, 2026, featuring 18 student clubs competing in a knockout system.
In his speech, Mujiburrahman emphasized the importance of upholding sportsmanship and shared values. He urged all players and officials to use this tournament as a means to strengthen solidarity, rather than a trigger for conflict.
“This event is for us to enjoy together. We strongly emphasize avoiding arguments, let alone fights. If there is a clash on the field, reconcile immediately. Sports are a place to maintain sportsmanship and discipline, not to look for trouble,” he said.
In addition to sportsmanship, the Rector of UIN Ar-Raniry specifically instructed the committee and referees to temporarily pause matches when Asr prayer time arrives and to ensure all games conclude before the Maghrib call to prayer. This is to respect local wisdom values in Aceh.
“As soon as it is Asr, the match must stop for prayer. The committee has prepared mats and a prayer space at the venue. Likewise, all matches must be finished before the Maghrib call to prayer. Do not undermine our local wisdom,” he stated.
Observing the high enthusiasm of students for football, Mujiburrahman welcomed a proposal from the Head of the Aceh Youth and Sports Agency (Kadispora) to integrate this event into the BOPTN budget, as well as to expand the number of sports branches contested next year.
“Next year, there will be at least five sports branches included in the Rector’s Cup, such as basketball, badminton, table tennis, and pencak silat. We also plan to invite external universities like USK, UBBG, and other campuses to make the Rector’s Cup even bigger,” he added.
The Head of the Aceh Youth and Sports Agency, T Banta Nuzullah, who attended the opening ceremony, expressed his appreciation for the organization of the tournament.
According to him, semi-multi-event competitions at the campus level are crucial as a platform for nurturing and selecting student athletes heading to the Regional Student Sports Week (POMDA) and National Student Sports Week (POMNAS).
“The Aceh Youth and Sports Agency is ready to support and coordinate so that sports activities within the academic community can continue positively,” said Banta.
Players Wear Sportswear Covering the ‘Aurat’
Meanwhile, the Student President of UIN Ar-Raniry, Darys Waldani, affirmed the commitment of all players to uphold Islamic law during matches, including wearing sportswear that covers the aurat.
Furthermore, Darys mentioned that in the near future, they will establish a new football student activity unit (UKM) to serve as a platform for nurturing campus athletes going forward.
For context, the 2026 UIN Ar-Raniry Rector’s Cup is a continuation of the event after Efesha FC from the Faculty of Sharia and Law (FSH) emerged victorious in 2025 by defeating Rencong Bara from the Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business (FEBI) in a penalty shootout.
In 2026, the rector’s rotating trophy is once again contested by the 18 best teams from across UIN Ar-Raniry.