Makassar, May 26, 2025 – Cheers of pride echoed through the UNHAS Sports Hall last weekend as Andi Fajrul Pratama, a 2023 student from the Faculty of Public Health (FKM) at Hasanuddin University (Unhas), was announced as the 1st Place winner in the prestigious Minister of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia Cup National Championship 2025 for karate. This golden achievement not only brought honor to Unhas but also became an inspiring story for many.
From May 23 to 25, 2025, the karate mat at the UNHAS Sports Hall bore witness to Fajrul’s struggle. Behind his tenacity lay a simple yet powerful motivation: to achieve and make his parents proud. For this, he was serious about his preparation. Intensive daily training and, not to forget, frequent prayers, became his reliable recipe. “The toughest challenge wasn’t actually the opponent on the field, but fighting laziness during practice,” Fajrul said with a smile. However, with strong determination, he managed to overcome each challenge, one by one.
The three days of the National Championship weren’t just about competition. For Fajrul, it was an exciting and valuable experience. He not only honed his skills but also built relationships with athletes from various regions. “It felt like finding a new family in every match,” he remarked. This wasn’t Fajrul’s first time competing. He had previously tested his abilities in Riau, adding to his experience and competitive spirit. The greatest strength came from the “trio” of support: family, friends, and of course, his beloved campus. The encouragement they gave him became powerful fuel for him to keep fighting.
Now, with the gold medal around his neck, Fajrul’s spirit in pursuing his studies in the Public Health program is even more ignited. He believes that lessons from the karate mat are highly relevant to academic and social life. “Discipline, mental resilience, and sportsmanship… these values are very important to apply anywhere, both in the classroom and in society,” he explained.
Fajrul hopes that his achievement can be a shot of encouragement for other students to bravely balance academic activities with self-development, especially in sports. “Each of us has our own potential. The key is simply willingness, consistent practice, and being surrounded by a positive environment,” he advised.
More than just a medal, Fajrul’s victory also aligns with the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, he embodies point 3 on Good Health and Well-being and point 4 on Quality Education. Through consistent athletic activity and the achievements he has made, Fajrul contributes to forming a healthy, productive, and highly competitive young generation in the future. A true story that behind books and lectures, there is ample room for self-development and becoming an inspiration