BLITAR – The race for the KONI Blitar City chairman position has intensified after two prominent candidates officially passed the verification stage. The election forum will take place on May 19, 2026.

Former Blitar Regency KONI chairman Tony Andrias and former Blitar mayor M Samanhudi Anwar will compete in the City Sports Conference, known locally as Musorkot.

Both candidates submitted registration forms and completed the selection requirements. Out of five people who collected registration documents, only two returned the forms and passed verification.

Slamet Hariyoso Seputro, head of the KONI Blitar City selection committee, said organizers followed official organizational procedures throughout the process.

“Five people collected registration forms. However, only two returned the documents and fulfilled the requirements,” he said Monday.

Tony Andrias attracted public attention because he previously served as chairman of KONI Blitar Regency for two terms.

However, organizers confirmed that current regulations still allow his candidacy. The rules only prohibit three consecutive terms in the same regional organization.

“We already consulted with KONI East Java and received official clarification. Therefore, his candidacy is allowed,” Slamet said.

Meanwhile, Samanhudi Anwar’s candidacy also sparked discussion because the former mayor previously faced legal problems.

Despite that background, the selection committee stated that new regulations no longer ban former convicts from joining KONI leadership elections.

“In the latest 2025 Sports Ministry regulation, no clause prohibits former prisoners from becoming KONI chairman candidates,” Slamet explained.

“That means Mr. Samanhudi can also participate,” he added.

Before entering the final election stage, both candidates must secure support from at least seven sports associations in Blitar City.

Each endorsement must include direct signatures from the heads of the respective sports organizations. The requirement will determine eligibility for the final election process.

The committee plans to announce the official candidate list on May 15. After that, the election will proceed during the Musorkot forum.

“Right now, we are waiting for the final determination process. On May 15, we will officially announce the eligible candidates,” Slamet said.

The upcoming election has drawn attention from local sports communities. The future chairman will lead sports development programs in Blitar City over the coming years.