The Universitas Gadjah Mada Karate Student Activity Unit (UKM Karate UGM) delivered an impressive performance on the international stage, bringing home nine medals from the 15th Silent Knight International Open Karate Cup 2026. The international open karate championship was held from April 17 to 19 at Titiwangsa Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and was attended by 60 contingents from five countries across Asia.
The prestigious championship was organized under the auspices of the Hayashi-ha Karate Association of Kuala Lumpur in collaboration with the Malaysia Karate Federation (MAKAF). The participation of UKM Karate UGM in this international event demonstrates that UGM students are capable of competing at the global level in martial arts.
UGM Director of Student Affairs, Dr. Hempri Suyatna, stated that the UGM Karate contingent secured a total of nine medals, including three gold, four silver, and two bronze, across various competition categories. The medals were awarded in both kata (forms) and kumite (sparring), in individual and team events, across men’s and women’s divisions.
“This achievement places UGM as one of the university contingents to be reckoned with at the international level. It further adds to the list of accomplishments achieved by UKM Karate UGM in various martial arts competitions,” Dr. Suyatna said on Thursday (Apr. 30).
Dr. Suyatna explained that UGM’s three gold medals were earned through outstanding performances in individual kata and kumite events. Alvito Abhista Pangestu from Animal Science UGM delivered an impressive performance to win gold in the Male Senior Individual Kata category, demonstrating excellent technique before international judges.
In the same category for women, Annisa Nur Kholifah from SV UGM secured gold in the Female Senior Individual Kata category with a performance that outclassed her competitors. The third gold medal was contributed by Athifah Rahmadhani from Agriculture UGM, who claimed the gold position in the Female Senior Individual Kumite -55 kg category, completing UGM’s gold medal tally in this championship.
Furthermore, four silver medals enriched the UGM contingent’s achievements, earned through both individual and women’s team events. Sarah Jasmine Kahiking from FIB UGM earned silver in the Female Senior Individual Kumite -61 kg category, while Fidelia Dwipuspita Purwacahya from SV UGM followed with silver in the Female Senior Individual Kumite +68 kg category.
Muhammad Sahal Rizky Zanuar from SV UGM also secured a silver medal in the Male Senior Individual Kumite -55 kg category. The women’s team achieved a silver medal in the Female Senior Team Kumite category, with contributions from Athifah Rahmadhani, Sarah Jasmine Kahiking, Fidelia Dwipuspita Purwacahya, and Kanaya Putri Lavau from Law UGM.
Two bronze medals completed the UGM contingent’s medal haul at this international event, both from kumite categories. Francisco M. S. M. Satya from FKH UGM earned bronze in the Male Senior Individual Kumite -60 kg category after going through a series of intense matches. Another bronze medal was secured by the men’s team in the Male Senior Team Kumite category, represented by Aufa Raja’ Sukmaaji, Bagas Pujangkoro, Francisco M. S. M. Satya, Muhammad Razaq, Muhammad Sahal Rizky Zanuar, Jundi Ahmad Avatar A M Kr Dole, and Sulthan Nawwafsyarif Basuki, who come from various faculties across UGM. The diversity of the athletes’ academic backgrounds reflects the broad development base of UKM Karate UGM.
Collaboration among athletes from the Faculties of Law (FH UGM), Engineering (FT UGM), Veterinary Medicine (FKH UGM), Mathematics, and Natural Sciences (MIPA UGM), as well as the Vocational College (SV UGM), symbolizes the team’s strong spirit of unity.
One of the participating athletes, Fidelia Dwipuspita Purwacahya from SV UGM, said she had prepared for the competition for three to four months. The achievements were the result of thorough preparation since January 2026.
“Honestly, I am very happy, especially since this might be my last championship representing UGM, as I am nearing the end of my studies. I’m grateful that I could still contribute a medal for the UGM karate team,” she said.
She also shared that UGM’s success was supported by strong solidarity among athletes.
“We were even considered quite ‘lively’ compared to other teams. Whenever a teammate competed, we cheered loudly with chants and encouragement. Other teams even noticed us because of our unity. For me, it was a very exciting and memorable experience,” she concluded.
The success of UKM Karate UGM at this international event is the result of disciplined training, consistent development, and the athletes’ determination to continue improving and to bring pride to their alma mater on the global stage.
This achievement also proves that UKM Karate UGM serves as an effective platform for UGM students to develop their talents and interests in martial arts on the international stage.
“We hope this achievement will serve as both motivation and a stepping stone for all UKM Karate UGM members to continue improving their quality and achieving success in future competitions, both at the national and international levels,” he stated.
Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: UKM Karate