The youth football festival, Garuda International Cup (GIC) 2024, which featured participants from eight countries, concluded at the ASIOP Training Ground in Sentul, West Java, on Sunday, August 25, 2024.
The newcomer to GIC 2024, Guangzhou FC from China, successfully emerged as the champion in the U-17 category.
Meanwhile, ASIOP, the defending champion, had to settle for the runner-up position.
In the final match of the U-17 Cup category at GIC 2024, Guangzhou FC China secured the championship by defeating ASIOP with a score of 1-0.
Guangzhou FC also swept the individual awards at GIC 2024, with Huang Haimin named Best Coach, Fan Mengtong awarded Best Goalkeeper, and Lou Kai taking home two titles: Top Scorer and Best Player.
GIC Project Director Wahyu Budiarto expressed his gratitude to the sponsors who supported this tournament.
“We would like to thank the sponsors, namely Transtama Logistics, Bank Mandiri, SOMPO Insurance, Tunas Muda Adhyaksa, Ethiopian Airlines, Belfoods, PT Rut Ester Berjaya Medan, Swissbel Hotel Court Bogor, City Trans Utama, Specs, Bluebird, Aqua, Naos, EMC, Glico, and Sunpride, as well as other supporters, because with the support of these sponsors, the tournament was able to be successfully held,” said Wahyu.
Wahyu was pleased that the tournament, which had been running since August 22, 2024, went smoothly without any issues.
He also expressed his gratitude to all the committee members who dedicated their time and energy to ensure the success of GIC 2024.
“This year, the champions in the U-10, U-12, and U-17 categories are from international clubs.”
“This aligns with my early prediction that GIC 2024 would be more competitive,” said Wahyu.
“I’ve spoken to the international teams, and they enjoyed competing here.”
“They also want to be invited again next year,” he continued.
“God willing, next year we aim to do even better, with more participants, including teams from more than eight countries.”
Meanwhile, Guangzhou FC China coach Huang Haimin expressed his gratitude for being invited to the tournament.
He was delighted to be part of the tournament, which has been held four times.
Huang Haimin is looking forward to another invitation from GIC to participate next year.
“This tournament was truly satisfying.”
“All the teams here were very tough and strong.”
“However, we worked well and managed to become champions,” said Huang Haimin.
**Awards List for Garuda International Cup 2024:**
A. U-10 Plate Category
Champion: Nahusam FA (Indonesia)
Runner-up: Perdana United (Malaysia)
Joint 3rd Place: Junior FC (Malaysia) and Brazilian Soccer School (Indonesia)
B. U-10 Cup Category
Champion: Tunas Johor Baru (Malaysia)
Runner-up: Farmel (Indonesia)
Joint 3rd Place: Topo FC (Malaysia) and Velocity (Malaysia)
C. U-12 Plate Category
Champion: Diklat Merden (Indonesia)
Runner-up: Jakarta Soccer Academy (Indonesia)
3rd Place: Next Bali Generation (Indonesia)
4th Place: ASIOP Biru (Indonesia)
D. U-12 Cup Category
Champion: Tokyo Purple (Japan)
Runner-up: NFPD (Malaysia)
3rd Place: Tokyo White (Japan)
E. U-17 Plate Category
Champion: Woodland Warriors FC (Singapore)
Runner-up: Southridge Admirals (Philippines)
3rd Place: ASIOP Kuning (Indonesia)
F. U-17 Cup Category
Champion: Guangzhou FC (China)
Runner-up: ASIOP Merah (Indonesia)
3rd Place: Top Skor Indonesia (Indonesia)