Indonesian Student Wins Gold at Southeast Asian Karate Championship 2026

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia added another international sporting achievement after Zahadia Al Muhammadi, a student from state-run Islamic senior high school MAN 2 Makassar, claimed the gold medal at the 13th Southeast Asian Karate Federation (SEAKF) Championship 2026.

The championship is being held in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, from July 9 to 12, 2026, bringing together around 700 athletes from the 11 member countries of the Southeast Asian Karate Federation.

The tournament is one of the region's official karate development events, featuring multiple age groups and competition categories.

Zahadia secured first place in her event to earn the gold medal, marking a significant achievement for MAN 2 Makassar, South Sulawesi, and Indonesia.

MAN 2 Makassar Principal Darmawati praised Zahadia's accomplishment, describing it as proof that madrasah (Islamic school) students can compete successfully not only at the national level but also on the international stage.

"This achievement is a source of pride for the entire MAN 2 Makassar community," Darmawati said in Makassar on Friday, July 10, as quoted on the Religious Affairs Ministry official website.

"Zahadia has shown that dedication to learning, discipline, hard work, and sincere prayers can lead students to the highest achievements on the international stage. We hope her success will inspire other students to continue developing their potential and compete globally," she added.

The victory also reflects MAN 2 Makassar's commitment to supporting students' academic and non-academic talents by providing opportunities to participate in competitions at regional, national, and international levels.

Zahadia's gold medal further strengthens the school's reputation for producing accomplished and well-rounded students capable of representing Indonesia in international competitions.

By winning gold at the 2026 Southeast Asian Karate Championship, Zahadia not only brought pride to MAN 2 Makassar but also raised Indonesia's profile in international sports, demonstrating that Islamic schools can produce athletes ready to compete at the highest regional level. ***