Bandar Lampung – Sporting achievements have once again been recognized. Bandar Lampung University awarded a full UBL Scholarship (100 percent) to Lampung table tennis athlete Rafanael Nikola Niman, who achieved outstanding results at the 21st Aceh-North Sumatra National Sports Week (PON) in 2024. As a token of support for the achievements of the younger generation, UBL awarded Rafanael a full scholarship (100 percent) to continue his higher education at the university.

The UBL scholarship demonstrates the university’s commitment to supporting young people with achievements, both in academic and non-academic fields. For Rafanael, this recognition is not only a recognition of his past accomplishments, but also an encouragement to continue developing and achieving in the future.

The provision of this UBL scholarship is a concrete manifestation of the campus’ commitment to supporting young people with extraordinary achievements.

The Rector of Bandar Lampung University, Prof. Dr. Ir. M. Yusuf S. Barusman, MBA , expressed his appreciation for Rafanael’s achievements. He believes that an athlete’s achievements don’t stop at winning a match, but can also inspire other young people to boldly pursue success and develop their potential.

“UBL is very proud of Rafanael’s achievements. As a tangible form of support for the achievements of our nation’s children, we are providing a full scholarship so he can continue his higher education without financial burden,” said Yusuf Barusman in a statement at the UBL Postgraduate Building on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

Rafanael’s Gold Medal at the 2024 National Games

Rafanael Nikola Niman, or familiarly called Nael , is one of the young athletes who is an important part of the Lampung contingent at the 21st PON Aceh-North Sumatra 2024. His role in this national sporting event has resulted in proud achievements.

In the men’s singles table tennis event, Rafanael won a gold medal after defeating West Java athlete, Gibran Berliangga, with a landslide score of 4-0 in the final match at the Angsapura Sports Hall, Medan, September 19, 2024. The victory was achieved with a score of 11-9, 11-3, 11-8, and 11-8 per set.

Rafanael’s journey to the top step of the podium also demonstrated consistent performance. In eight matches, from the preliminary round to the final, he only dropped one set out of 25. Before facing Gibran in the final, Rafanael defeated Hendra Pratawijaya of Central Kalimantan in the semifinals in straight sets.

The gold medal was even more special because Rafanael had previously been part of the Lampung men’s team that won gold. In the men’s team final, Lampung defeated East Java 3-2. Rafanael played a crucial role in the victory, contributing two goals in the final.

Thus, Rafanael’s success at the 2024 National Games wasn’t the result of a single match. This achievement was the result of rigorous training, consistency, discipline, and courage in facing the best athletes from across Indonesia.

UBL Scholarship Program Commitment to Lampung’s Young Generation

For Rafanael, the opportunity to receive a full scholarship from UBL has become a new motivation to balance his athletic career with higher education. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the attention shown by UBL, especially to Rector Yusuf Barusman.

“I am very grateful and thankful to Bandar Lampung University, especially the Rector, for this scholarship. This is an added motivation for me to continue to excel, not only on the table tennis court but also in my education,” said Nael.

Nael’s success in winning a gold medal further enhances his eligibility to receive a full UBL scholarship from the rectorate.

This statement illustrates the importance of educational support for athletes. An athlete’s sporting career can develop optimally when accompanied by a good education. Furthermore, education can also provide long-term support for athletes as they enter the post-competitive phase of their careers.

This concept aligns with UBL’s spirit of emphasizing education not merely as a process of obtaining a degree, but as part of developing potential, character, and leadership. UBL currently offers a range of faculties and educational programs, including economics and business, social and political sciences, computer science, teaching and education, engineering, and law.

Commitment to Supporting Lampung’s Young Generation

The scholarship award to Rafanael is also part of the spirit of the 2025 Scholarship Festival held by UBL. The program reflects the university’s focus on developing the potential of the younger generation, including those with achievements in sports.

This kind of support is crucial for the development of the regional sports ecosystem. Young athletes not only need training and competition facilities, but also access to education that can help them build their future.

The support from universities also serves as an example that education and sports don’t have to operate in isolation. Instead, they can strengthen each other. Athletes who have the opportunity to pursue higher education have the chance to develop their knowledge, skills, and networks, while simultaneously preparing for a professional life beyond the competition arena.

For Lampung, Rafanael’s success also represents a milestone in the development of regional competitive sports. The Lampung Provincial Sports Committee (KONI) is tasked with fostering, developing, and coordinating competitive sports to promote achievement at the national and international levels.

Sports and Educational Achievements Can Go Hand in Hand

Rafanael’s story provides an important message for the younger generation: athletic achievement and education can go hand in hand. Success on the field doesn’t have to cause an athlete to neglect their education. Instead, education can be the foundation for building a broader career and life.

This full UBL scholarship is expected to help Rafanael maintain his spirit of achievement and provide him with opportunities to develop his academic potential. This support also serves as an investment in Lampung’s young talent, who has demonstrated their abilities at the national level.

With a gold medal at the 2024 National Games and the opportunity to continue his education through a 100 percent scholarship, Rafanael now faces a new challenge: maintaining his achievements in the world of table tennis while proving that an athlete can also achieve success in college.

UBL’s decision to award Rafanael a scholarship is ultimately more than just an award for an athlete. More than that, the policy sends a message that the achievements of the younger generation deserve space, support, and opportunities to develop. From the tennis table to the lecture hall, Rafanael’s journey can serve as an inspiration that hard work, education, and achievement can grow together to build a better future.

The UBL scholarship program is expected to inspire Lampung’s young generation. With full UBL scholarship support, high-achieving athletes can focus on pursuing their academic goals while maintaining their best performance. Complete information about the UBL scholarship program and new student registration can be accessed directly through the official website of the University of Bandar Lampung. For more information about the UBL Scholarship program and new student registration, prospective applicants can visit the official website of the University of Bandar Lampung.