UNAIR NEWS – The Taekwondo Student Activity Unit (UKM) of Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) achieved a remarkable milestone at the 17th CK Classic International Open Taekwondo Championship Malaysia 2025. Held from Friday to Sunday (July 11–13, 2025) at DSS Stadium, UNITEN Campus, Putrajaya, Selangor, the event attracted over 700 athletes representing more than ten countries.
In the competition, UNAIR’s Taekwondo team earned four medals. They secured two golds in the Senior Female Individual Poomsae and Senior Mixed Pair Poomsae categories. Additionally, the team won a silver medal in the Senior Male Individual Poomsae category and a bronze in the Senior Male Kyorugi U-54 division.
“This victory means a lot to us—not just because of the medals, but because it reflects our discipline, hard work, and determination to carry UNAIR’s name with pride on the international stage,” said Nadia, a team member and a student from the Class of 2023.
Intensive training and campus support
To prepare for the championship, the team underwent a rigorous internal selection process to identify the top athletes. Following selection, they engaged in daily intensive training for several months, practicing four times a week over a span of 40 days. In addition to in-person sessions, athletes were required to complete independent training tasks outside official practice hours.
“We held near-daily training camps, and the athletes were also given supplemental exercises they had to complete independently. Our goal was to ensure they were fully prepared both physically and technically,” explained Machrita, the team’s coach and supervisor.
Support from UNAIR played a crucial role in this achievement. The university provided training facilities at the Student Center Building on MERR-C Campus and covered travel expenses for both athletes and coaches. Despite occasional challenges with facility availability, the athletes stayed motivated. “UNAIR has provided tremendous support—from training facilities to funding. The encouragement and recognition from the university were major motivators for us,” Nadia added.
Eyes set on future competitions
The success in Malaysia marks not the end, but the beginning of more ambitious goals. UNAIR’s Taekwondo team is already preparing for future national and international championships.
“After this achievement, we’re even more driven to make our university and country proud. We’re also focused on developing younger athletes so that our success continues into the next generation,” said Machrita.
In addition to aiming for competitive excellence, the UKM Taekwondo UNAIR remains committed to shaping well-rounded students—those who excel not only academically, but also in soft skills and mental resilience. Through consistent training, strong team management, and continued university support, the team is confident in its ability to uphold UNAIR’s tradition of excellence well into the future.
Author: Samudra Luhur
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
