(Unila): The students from the University of Lampung (Unila) were successfully obtaining four medals during the ATF University of Indonesia (UI) Taekwondo National Championship (Kejurnas), held from 2 to 4 June 2023.
The students participating in the championship are majoring in different subjects, Tiara Zalfa Nur’alifah, a student of Chemistry in the class of 2021, Nadabunda Husnul Khotimah, a student of Mathematics in the class of 2020, Nandia Devina Dwi H, a student of Chemistry in the class of 2022, and Ikhsan Muhamad Husein, a student of History Education in the class of 2019.
The 2023 UI ATF National Championship is an esteemed taekwondo competition of national significance, organized by the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Indonesia, in partnership with the Indonesian Taekwondo Federation (FTI).
There were approximately 900 taekwondo practitioners coming from diverse locations across Indonesia. The official inauguration of the event was conducted by Dito Ariotedjo, the esteemed Minister of Youth and Sports in Indonesia. Additionally, the occasion witnessed the participation of all taekwondo training centers situated on the island of Java.
Unila received a total of four medals, two of which were gold medals awarded by Tiara Zalfa Nur’alifah and Nadabunda Husnul Khotimah.
In the interim, Nandia Devina Dwi achieved the second-place position, securing the silver medal, while Ikhsan Muhamad Husein attained the third-place position, earning the bronze medal.
Tiara Zalfa expressed her gratitude towards the senior members of UKM Taekwondo Unila for consistently offering their support and motivation, thereby fostering her enthusiasm towards training for the next tournament.
“I am also inspired by the regional training athletes who compete in the taekwondo championship. I am increasingly motivated to continue practicing and improving my skills,” said Tiara.
She admitted that she was interested in taekwondo since she was a child because she often watched action films and taekwondo videos on the internet.
Nadabunda Husnul Khotimah also said that winning a medal at this national championship was a very valuable experience for her. However, the journey to success is not easy.
Nadabunda had to undergo surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee due to an injury while competing in a previous championship. He also wondered whether his leg had recovered and was ready to compete again.
“I am very grateful to be able to win a gold medal. This has been my dream for a long time. I am also happy to be able to meet friends from UKM Taekwondo throughout Indonesia. I hope this championship can be a good start to my career in taekwondo,” she said.
She also expressed her joy and pride over her achievement. After struggling hard and considering many things, she felt that she deserved appreciation from herself. She also hopes to be an inspiration for young Indonesians who want to pursue their dreams.
“Never ever give up on your dreams regardless of whatever the circumstances you have because good opportunities don’t necessarily come a second time,” she advised. [PR Team]
