UNS — Khoirudin Mustakim, a student of the Faculty of Sports (FKOR), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, succeeded in becoming the world champion of Pencak Silat in 2022. He obtained this result after outperforming representatives of other countries at the 19th Pencak Silat World Championship in Melaka, Malaysia, at the end of July.
Mustakin competes in the 45-50kg class and competes against opponents from different countries. In the final match, Mustakim competed against the representative of the host country, Aizad Akbar. Mustakim outperformed Aizad with a good score of 49-17. The martial artist from Klaten Regency, Central Java, claimed that he was happy with the results achieved in this event. According to Mustakim, this result meets his personal predictions and targets.
“I am thrilled, Alhamdulillah, I was still given victory and safety. This result is in line with my predictions and wishes in yesterday’s championship, to obtain the maximum result,” said Mustakim on Sunday (21/8/2022).
Mustakim’s two months of preparation paid off completely with the results. During the two months of preparation, Mustakim trained well. The FKOR student said that he prepared techniques, strategies, and his physique to face opponents from other countries. “Physique must be in excellent condition. I had to maintain a good physical condition at yesterday’s performance. I also practice anticipating the opponent’s attacks,” he added.
With a top-notch physique, Mustakim can perform at his best despite the game being conducted late at night. He said that the match schedule was beyond his and the team’s predictions. However, even if the game lasted until late at night, it did not affect his performance negatively at all.
“The challenges were due to the extended game schedules; I was scheduled to spar till 11 pm at night. But we have anticipated this condition, thus, it does not affect our performance,” he explained.
After winning the World Champion, Mustakim is now preparing to take part in the Sea Games 2023 in Cambodia. He revealed he wanted to prepare earnestly and wanted to win a gold medal at the event.
“Currently, I am preparing for the Sea Games, Cambodia, in March next year. I will give my best for the preparations,” said the silver medalist of the Sea Games 2021. Humas UNS
Reporter: Ida Fitriyah
Editor: Dwi Hastuti