Natanael Rikoo Arisandi, a dedicated member of the Taekwondo Student Club at Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) Yogyakarta, clinched a bronze medal at the Indonesia Muda Bupati Bantul Cup Taekwondo Open Championship 2024. The event, which featured competition among school and university students from across the country, was held from August 23-25 at the Bale Lantip UTDI Auditorium in Bantul.
Competing in the Kyorugi U58-Senior Men’s category, Natanael, an Information Systems major, delivered an impressive performance to secure his spot on the podium. The championship, organized by Universal Taekwondo Indonesia Professional (UTI Pro) DIY, serves as a key platform for evaluating the skills of taekwondo athletes affiliated with UTI Pro.
Steven, Head of UKDW’s Taekwondo Student Club, praised Natanael for his outstanding achievement. “Despite his unique approach compared to other team members, Natanael has consistently proven his capability to excel, both at the regional and national levels,” he said. Steven also highlighted Natanael’s previous success, noting his bronze medal win at the Airlangga Cup V National Championship last year.
Reflecting on his recent experience, Natanael emphasized the high level of competition and the importance of sportsmanship. “This event was a reminder that respecting your opponent is crucial—never underestimate anyone. The competition here is prestigious, providing a significant platform to showcase our skills at the national level. I hope future events continue to prioritize discipline, safety, and sportsmanship,” he concluded. [humasukdw/trans.drr]