Banjarmasin, S Kalimatan (ANTARA) - Two South Kalimantan karateka (athletes) made achievement and made Indonesia proud at the 2024 ASEAN University Games (AUG) held in Surabaya and Malang, East Java, from 25 June to July 6, 2024.
Head of Achievement Development of the Indonesian Karate-do Federation (Forki) for South Kalimantan Anton Arisandi in Banjarbaru, Monday, said the two karatekas were Muhammad Afif Lubis ans M. Raditya Azhari.
M Afif Lubis competed in the men's 75 kg class kumite karate and M. Raditya Azhari in the category of men's 55 kg kumite.
"We welcome their arrival today with proud, because they made Indonesia proud at the event," he said.
The Indonesian contingent dominated karate at the 2024 AUG by securing the overall championship with 10 gold medals, 5 silver medals, and 6 bronze medals.
"This result brought Indonesia as the overall championship at the 21st ASEAN University Games (AUG). We are proud that two of our foster athletes took part in achieving this achievement," said Anton.
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Forki South Kalimantan athletes under the leadership of H Sahbirin who is the Governor of South Kalimantan had contributed one silver medal and one bronze.
"Thank you to the General Chairperson of South Kalimantan Forki Uncle Birin (Governor) for bringing the history of karate in this province to Indonesia. Hopefully this achievement can become the benchmark of our beloved Banua athletes," he said.
The two athletes, said Anton, are also prepared to compete at 21st National Sports Week (PON) in Aceh and Medan (North Sumatra).
As the 2024 PON is approaching, the two athletes are expected to continue training hard so they can bring medals to the region.
According to him, the South Kalimantan FORKI Pelatda team with the presence of natioal coaches expected to bring a positive aura for athletes, coaches, and officials.
"We are optimistic they both can make even higher achievement in PON," he said.
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