Syahra Ikmala Nur Azizah, UNU Jogja Agricultural Technology Student, Wins First Place at National Sunan Kalijaga CUP V Pencak Silat Championship

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – Syahra Ikmala Nur Azizah, a student of the Agricultural Product Technology (THP) Study Program at the Faculty of Halal Industry, Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja), won first place at the national-level Sunan Kalijaga CUP V Pencak Silat Championship, held on October 27–29, 2026, at the UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta campus.

The competition brought together 860 pencak silat athletes from various regions across Indonesia, competing in several age categories, from early childhood, pre-teen, and youth to adult divisions, including university students and the general public. The event was also supported by the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI) at both the regency and regional levels.

Syahra, a member of the 2024 cohort, secured first place in the women's Class B fighting category for university students. On her way to the championship title, she won her opening match against an athlete from STIKES Notokusumo before advancing to the final, where she faced a competitor from Yogyakarta State University (UNY).

For Syahra, this achievement represents another milestone in her long journey of pursuing pencak silat. Her interest in this traditional Indonesian martial art began when she was in the fourth grade of elementary school.

Her dedication to training has also earned her several previous achievements. In 2023, she won first place at the Yogyakarta Special Region Student Sports Week (POPDA DIY). She also competed in the 2022 Pre-National Student Sports Week (Pra POPNAS) in South Kalimantan.

According to Syahra, hard work, commitment, and discipline in training are essential factors in achieving success. Alongside her university studies, she strives to maintain a balance between her academic responsibilities and pencak silat training.

“During lecture hours, I focus on attending my classes. After lectures, usually around 4 p.m., I train with fellow members of the university's Pencak Silat Student Activity Unit,” she said.

Dean of the Faculty of Halal Industry (FIH) at UNU Jogja, apt. Listiana Hidayati, M.Sc., also expressed her appreciation for Syahra's achievement. She extended her gratitude to the university leadership, lecturers, and the entire academic community for their prayers, guidance, and support for students.

“On behalf of the entire FIH community, I would like to express our deepest gratitude for the prayers, guidance, and support from the university leadership, lecturers, and fellow members of the academic community,” she said.

Meanwhile, Head of the THP Study Program, Subekti, expressed hope that Syahra's achievement would inspire other students to continue developing their potential and pursuing excellence in both academic and non-academic fields.

“Syahra's achievement serves as a reminder that student development takes place not only through classroom learning but also through active participation in various competitions and self-development activities,” he said.

He emphasized that Syahra's achievement demonstrates how students can pursue their interests and talents while maintaining their academic responsibilities. He added that this accomplishment further contributes to the growing list of UNU Jogja students' achievements in sports and personal development. []

Reporter: Latifah