Student Activity Unit (UKM) Pencak Silat Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has once again made the alma mater proud in the national arena. In the National Championship of Pencak Silat Commissariat of Military Academy 2024 which took place at GOR Soeroto, Magelang, on September 20-22, 2024, UGM athletes won 12 medals and were crowned the 3rd grand champion.
This brilliant achievement is the result of hard work and high dedication of all members of Pencak Silat UGM. They managed to show their quality and ability in various categories, both sparring and art. The success of Pencak Silat UGM in winning the 3rd grand champion in this championship cannot be separated from their dominance in various categories of competition. Both in the sparring and art categories, UGM athletes were able to show mature techniques and strategies.
Diospyros Pieter Raphael Suitela, Chairman of Pencak Silat UGM, said the success was the result of their thorough preparation. “We did intensive training for 45 days before the championship. Starting from athlete selection, physical training, technique, to strategy, we have finalized everything in order to give the best performance,” said Diospyros.
The achievements that were successfully obtained by Pencak Silat UGM are:
- 1st place in Adult Men’s Class C & Best Athlete in Adult Category by M. Azzam Nasrullah (Faculty of Engineering)
- 1st place in Adult Women’s Class B & Best Athlete in Adult Women’s Category by Rahma Ambar (Vocational School)
- 1st place in Adult Men’s Class A Sparring by Bangkit Setiyoko (Faculty of Animal Sciences)
- 1st place in Adult Women’s Class A Sparring by Fauzziyah Fadlah (Faculty of Engineering)
- 1st place in Adult Women’s Class C Sparring by Khoirotunnisa Azumah (Faculty of Agriculture)
- 1st place in Adult Men’s Class D Sparring by Hilmi Habibie (Vocational School)
- 1st place in Adult Women’s Class D Sparring by Maidira Marsa (Faculty of Biology)
- 1st place in Adult Men’s Class F Sparring by Sultan Derry (Faculty of Geography)
- 1st place in Adult Men’s Empty Hand Solo Art by Diospyros Pieter (Faculty of Social and Political Sciences)
- 1st place in Adult Women’s Empty Hand Solo Art by Lakshita Pradnya (Faculty of Cultural Sciences)
- 2nd place in Adult Men’s Class B Sparring by Dava Farizi (Faculty of Engineering)
- 1st place in Adult Women’s Class B Sparring by Danish Ara (Faculty of Agricultural Technology)
The attainment of 12 medals resulted in a proud result, in which Pencak Silat UGM was crowned as the 3rd grand champion in this championship. Diospyros stated that support from various parties was an important factor in achieving this achievement. “Moral support from seniors, alumni, coaches, supervisors, and friends means a lot to us. The family atmosphere in the team makes us encourage and motivate each other,” added Diospyros.
Diospyros hoped this achievement could be a motivation for all members of Pencak Silat UGM, especially for new members. “I hope this achievement can be the first step to bigger things for Pencak Silat UGM. We will continue to strive to maintain this achievement and bring forth the next generation of outstanding athletes,” he said.
The brilliant achievements of Pencak Silat UGM not only reflect the individual quality of the athletes, but also show the strong synergy between all team members. A thorough preparation process, strong support, and the spirit of togetherness are the keys to their success.