Mahasiswi IKOR UNIMA Gracia Karin Tanwijaya Raih Medali Emas di Kejuaraan Hapkido Asia Tenggara
Gracia Karin Tanwijaya, a Sports Science student at Universitas Negeri Manado (Unima), has won a gold medal at the Southeast Asia Hapkido Championship in the women’s senior 55 kg category. The event took place in Yogyakarta from June 14 to 15, 2025, and featured elite athletes from various countries in the ASEAN region.
Training and Preparation
Tanwijaya’s preparation for the championship commenced in March and consisted of an intensive training schedule designed by her coach, Sabeum Jacky Waturandang, which included six days of training each week, with sessions lasting from morning until evening.
University Support
The student credited the support from her university for her success, mentioning that she received a three-month academic leave to focus solely on her training. She expressed, “Initially, I was concerned about managing my classes, but the university’s support was tremendous. It greatly helped me perform at my best.”
Final Match
In her final match, Tanwijaya faced a formidable opponent, a previous gold medalist from the PON event, who had an impressive victory over a competitor from Cambodia. Tanwijaya secured her win with a score of 12-8. She remarked on the challenge of that match, stating, “Thank God, that was the toughest match for me. But all the hard work paid off.”
Institutional Praise
Dr. Joseph Kambey, the Rector of Universitas Negeri Manado, praised Tanwijaya’s accomplishment, viewing it as a testament to the university’s students’ capabilities on an international level. He expressed that her achievement reflects the fighting spirit and growing quality of Unima students, hoping it would inspire the academic community to excel further.
Support for Students
Dr. Lenny Leorina Simatupang, Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Cooperation, shared her pride in Tanwijaya’s dedication and highlighted the university’s commitment to supporting academically gifted students alongside their extracurricular endeavors.
Thesis Exemption
In recognition of her achievement, the university has granted Tanwijaya an exemption from writing a thesis, honoring her contributions to enhancing the institution’s and the nation’s reputation. This recognition was presented by the Rector in a formal acknowledgment of her success.
Inspiration for the Youth
Dr. Nancy Bawiling, Dean of the IKOR program, expressed her pride in Tanwijaya’s achievements and indicated her potential to inspire youth in North Sulawesi.
Future Competitions
Looking ahead, Tanwijaya is preparing for several upcoming competitions, including the Hapkido National Championship in Surabaya and the Wushu branch at POMNAS. She conveyed her motivation by stating, “I want to glorify God through the talents I possess. I also aim to make my parents proud and prove that I can be a champion.”
Celebration of Achievement
Tanwijaya received a warm reception from the university administration at its central office, celebrating her achievement as a reflection of dedication, support, and determination leading to success on both national and international stages.
(Source: Universitas Negeri Manado)
