M Arif Fhadila, Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) student, won first place in an International Karate Competition of Thailand Open Karate-Do Championship in Phuket Thailand, Thursday-Tuesday (18-23/08). This Economics and Business Faculty (FEB) student succeeded to bag a gold medal after beating the Malaysian athlete in the final. More than 700 international athletes from 24 different countries participated in the competition, including Brazil, Turkiye, Thailand, Malaysia, Hongkong, Philippines, India, Nepal, Cambodia, Vietnam, Iran, Singapore, Netherland, Brunei Darussalam, Australia, and many other countries.
The competition was a reputable karate championship because it can add more points to the Olympics. “In this championship, we targeted one medal. Alhamdulillah, it can be achieved,” said Radiman, the Karate coach.
The Head of Student Affairs Bureau (Kabimawa) UMSU also mentioned that M Arif also expressed his gratitude to UMSU. “Especially the UMSU Rector and the Vice-Rectors who gave this opportunity to our athletes in Karate Student Activity Unity, so we can join this great competition. I hope that in the future, it can produce more athletes that can bring a good name to UMSU in national and international,” he said.
Besides Arif, UMSU has sent two other delegations to the International Karate Competition, including Nicky Dwi Oktari and Reza Mahendra. Nova Siaga, the coach, was proud of the spirit and hard work of the athletes. “For Arif, do not overproud and keep practicing. I hope in the future, you can bring other achievements,” Nova said.
