Amidst his busy career as a football player of a Thai football club, Pratama Arhan Alif spared his time to go back to school, and attend lectures like normal students in his campus, Universitas Dian Nuswantoro (Udinus). Currently, Arhan is a student of the Undergraduate Management Department at Udinus, and has become a senior student, with his thesis almost being finished.
The athlete, who is commonly known as Arho, once again visited the Economics and Business Faculty (FEB) at Udinus, after having routinely attended lectures and other academic affairs remotely. Online studies are indeed aimed at athletes to maintain their studies amidst their busy athletic careers, particularly Arhan, who currently plays for Bangkok United in the Thai Premier League. Thus far, Arhan had appeared in eleven matches, with an assist as a left-back player.
The return of the athlete, who once won a medal at the 2023 SEA Games, showed Arhan’s immense commitment to maintaining the balance between his studies and professional career as a national athlete. His return also served as a track record that he was serious about his studies.
“I certainly am glad to return to campus to see my friends and fellow athletes, as well as the rector and my thesis advisor. Hopefully, I can work my hardest to graduate as soon as possible,” Arhan, born on December 21, 2001, revealed.
In addition to Arhan, who once played for the Indonesian National Team, Udinus is also consistent in nurturing its other athletes. The Rector of Udinus, Prof. Dr. Pulung Nurtantio Andono, S.T., M.Kom., explained that the support was expected to lead these athletes to balance both their academic and non-academic potential.
“We can see that Arhan is academically good, so we are glad to support him in finishing his studies. His commitment to go back to school proves that Arhan is serious about finishing his studies, and Udinus shall give the best support necessary to Arhan and other athletes,” the rector uttered.
According to the rector, Arhan’s presence on campus inspires other students. With good time management and support from the campus, Arhan’s studies are still possible amidst his professional career in the Thai Premier League.
“We have even granted Arhan scholarships for his Graduate studies, so he can still study at Udinus. Hopefully, after Arhan’s retirement, he can still contribute more to society,” Prof. Pulung concluded.
The moment also emphasizes the importance of formal education for the future. It is not an exception for athletes who excel at both national and international levels. (Humas Udinus/Penulis: Haris. Editor: Nining. Foto: Humas Udinus)
