SURABAYA – East Java FPTI Pengprov continues to attract potential athletes through various championships. This time FPTI East Java held a provincial championship for junior groups (18-19), youth A (16-17), youth B (4-15), youth C (12-13), youth D (10-11), and youth E (7-9). This activity was held at the Jatim Seger field, April 9-13, 2025.

The Chairman of FPTI East Java, Dhanu Iswara, stated that this event serves as a selection stage for East Java’s climbing athletes aiming to compete at the national championship. According to the FPTI Central Board’s regulations, only the Junior, Youth A, and Youth B categories are eligible to participate at the national level.

“From this year’s KEJURPROV (provincial championship), only one athlete will be selected from each discipline—lead, speed, and boulder. So only the top three male and top three female athletes will be eligible for the nationals,” said Dhanu.

FPTI East Java is also giving an opportunity to athletes who place second and third in each category to join the nationals. However, funding for these athletes will be the responsibility of their respective FPTI’s district or city.

“The reduction in age groups at the national championship has been in effect since last year. At the 2025 nationals in Makassar, South Sulawesi, the age groups were already trimmed down,” Dhanu added.

Nevertheless, FPTI East Java is determined to retain its overall championship title at this year’s junior national championship. The KEJURNAS KU (national climbing championship – age category) is planned to be held in South Tangerang, Banten.

This year’s KEJURPROV is being participated by 278 athletes from 27 cities and districts, competing across six age groups. The competition categories for the Junior, Youth A, and Youth B groups include speed, lead, and boulder, with a maximum of two athletes per category.

“As for the Youth C, D, and E groups, only speed and lead disciplines are contested, with a maximum of two athletes per category,” Dhanu concluded. He added that these younger age groups would serve as a talent database for the FPTI East Java, to be continually monitored through talent scouting at various competitions.