Forki DKI showcased their talents and skills at the recently concluded 3rd Shureido International Karate Cup, held at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, Philippines, from July 5-7, 2024.
The team clinched multiple medals, demonstrating their mastery in karate disciplines and solidifying their reputation as strong contenders on the international stage.
Beatrix Helena Pangemanan clinched the team’s first podium finish by bagging the bronze medal in the Kata Female Advance category for participants aged 18 and above.
Pangemanan dominated the first two matches with a record of 5-0 in both rounds, but succumbed to Sakura Alforte of the Philippine team in the semifinals, 1-4.
Despite the loss, her precise and elegant kata performances captivated the judges and spectators, showcasing her karate expertise.
On the other hand, Chandra Nevo Herkawijaya secured the silver medal in the Kata Male Advance category for participants aged 18 and above.
His structured and dynamic kata routines displayed his mastery of technique and dominance until the semifinals, where he won over the Philippines’ Felix Calipusan, 3-2. However, he failed to snatch the gold medal after losing in the final match against Jeremy Laurence Nopre from the Philippines, 2-3.
In the Senior Kumite Female minus-61kg category, Vhelen Claudya Sampelan finished with a bronze medal.
She won against Nurjanah Intan of Jabar Hattrick, Indonesia, with a tally of 7-6 and Kyline Galez of the Philippines, 8-0. Despite dominating her match against Galez, her defensive skills couldn’t handle Forki Sumatera Utara’s Nicky Dwi Oktari, ending her campaign with a 1-5 record.
Meanwhile, Angga Aprillian also collected a bronze medal in the Senior Kumite Male minus-67kg category.
He demonstrated strategic offense and defense, taking down his fellow Indonesian, Kharen Tarigan, with a record of 8-6, Kristoffer Mendez of the Philippines, 7-all, and Malaysia’s Jude Joseph Johannes, 10-1. However, he took a blow against John Kyle Tabilog of the Philippine team in the semifinal round, ending with a record of 3-4.
Mahathir Muhammad, one of the team’s coaches, believes that this experience will help the team in their preparation for the XXI North Sumatra-Aceh National Sports Week, or the Pekan Olahraga Nasional (PON), Indonesia’s national championship, to be held in September 2024.
Silver medalist Herkawijaya also expressed his determination to dominate the upcoming tournament.
“The experience I got here in this competition makes me want to be even better so that later in PON Indonesia, I can do better than now,” he conveyed.
The Jakarta-based squad will continue their preparation and training with the Philippine National Team from July 9-12 at the Philippine Sports Complex, Pasig, Philippines.
