The Indonesian contingent once again made brilliant achievements at the 21st ASEAN University Games (AUG) 2024 which took place at the Samantha Krida Building, Universitas Brawijaya (UB). In the Taekwondo sport, two Indonesian athletes, Megawati Tamesti Maheswari and Dinda Putri Lestari, won gold medals in the match which was held on Tuesday (2/7/2024).
Megawati Tamesti Maheswari showed an extraordinary performance by defeating Chhoeung Aliza from Cambodia in the 57 kilogram class. This victory was welcomed with gratitude by Megawati who stated that this achievement was additional motivation for her to continue to give her best for Indonesia in the next championship event.
“The Indonesian team has prepared about two months before the competition with intensive training in Bogor. Moreover, we also took part in several tryouts and matches abroad. With high enthusiasm and dedication, I hope to continue to make Indonesia proud on the international stage,” said Megawati.
Meanwhile, Dinda Putri Lestari also managed to win a gold medal after defeating Ishak Nadia AS from Malaysia in the 67 kilogram class. Dinda stated that Indonesian team’s achievements were the result of the hard work that had been done so far. She hopes that this achievement can encourage the Indonesian team to continue to excel in international events.
“My target in the future is always to win a gold medal and present the best game. With high enthusiasm and dedication, the Indonesian team and I are ready to face challenges in the international arena,” said Dinda.
The sport of Taekwondo is participated in by nine Southeast Asian countries, namely Brunei, Myanmar, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Timor Leste and Indonesia. Indonesian athletes who take part in AUG are those who qualify through the POMPROV and POMNAS events. Taekwondo sports consist of two main categories, namely Art and Fighting, with various subcategories being competed in.
Indonesia is the country with the highest number of Taekwondo athletes, namely 29 athletes. It is hoped that this achievement can be a motivation for Indonesian athletes to continue to excel and make the nation proud on the international stage. (wdd/pon/UB PR/ Trans. Iir)
