In the midst of the darkness of the Sports Medal race PON Aceh-North Sumatra, Hudal Akram, teenager 21 years, residents of Kampung Delung Tue, Bener Meriah Regency, seemed to appear like a “Gayo Star” that shines in Aceh. Despite getting the bronze medal, Hudal’s victory was able to help soothe and comfort other colleagues who had struggled, but had not been able to donate medals to the Aceh contingent. Of the 10 horse racing classes competed, only Hudal Akram won the bronze medal, the only one, in the most prestigious event in Indonesia, PON Aceh-North Sumatra 2024.
Hudal Akram, who is familiarly called Simpil, together with Gelumang Pitu, his 3-year-old horse friend, managed to conquer the track in the D1 1000m Class. The D1 1000 M class is a horse racing class, for local horses with a maximum age limit of 4 years and a distance of 1000 meters, and the jockey is 16 s.d 21 years with a predetermined weight.
The teenager who was in SMA 1 Bukit Bener Meriah was not a professional athlete. He loves horses because since elementary school he has grown up in the tradition of Gayo horse racing which is held every year. Since making friends with horses, Hudal took time to learn to ride while caring for horses in stables near Sangeda racetrack field, Bener Meriah.
In addition to caring for the horses, Hudal also gardening days as generally Bener Meriah residents who 89% gardening and farming. This activity, helped shape the character of the spirit and struggle to overcome fatigue and challenges in horse racing.
Hudal Akram then got the opportunity to be mentored by the Indonesian equestrian sports association or PORDASI Aceh. Hudal did not waste the opportunity. He added to his intensive training, honed his riding skills, and built an emotional bond with Gelumang Pitu, forging his physical strength and his horse, about a year before the PON match took place.
“Before going to the racetrack, we used to train things for a year. Like my physique as the jockey, the horse, so that it is strong and does not get sick,” Hudal told RRI Banda Aceh, Tuesday (17/9/2024).
Hudal Akram, the son of Sukiman and Basyariah, like most teenagers, when he just started training, doubted his ability. He felt not confident, but the support of the chairman of Pordasi Aceh, Rahmuddin, S.Sos., and colleagues in the POPDASI circle encouraged him to continue to hone his skills until he was brave and confident. Thanks to constant training and sharpening, riding instinct, and emotional closeness with Gelumang Pitu, physical strength that continues to be forged; Simpil and Gelumang Pitu finally managed to reach the finish line the third fastest.
“I am with Gelumang Pitu very happy to get a medal at PON Aceh-North Sumatra. And thank you also for the support of friends, from those who have horses, prayers. I am very grateful to my friends in Bener Meriah, in Central Aceh, Gayo Lues. I am very proud to get medals for Bener Meriah, Central Aceh, and Gayo Lues for Aceh,” Hudal said.
The cheers of thousands of spectators for Hudal and Gelumang Pitu thundered happily by many parties. Starting from the helm of the number one person in Bener Meriah Regency, Pj. Regent Ir. Mohd Tanwier, MM; expressed his appreciation and pride, then from community leaders and public officials, giving appreciation and motivating teenagers who are determining their future direction.
Simpil’s achievements show that anyone, from any background, according to ability, potential, and from any environment, in any corner of the country; all children of the country can achieve the dream of becoming a star, while being able to contribute to the country, if they really mean it in a consistent process and work together; able to star in the sky of the Gayo Highlands, Aceh, and Indonesia.