RI karateka wins bronze at world championships

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian karateka Lia Nurliati won a bronze medal at the world championships in the Philippines Thursday.

Lia took the bronze in the women's 48-kilogram individual kumite event after defeating Ami Yap of the Philippines and Uljarevie of Yugoslavia.

Lia lost to Sasaki of Japan in the semifinal. Sasaki then grabbed the gold medal.

Indonesian Karate Association spokesman Adityawarman said in Jakarta Thursday that Lia's success was a source of pride and astonishment.

"We are proud that Lia put Indonesia's name in the world championships," Adityawarman said as quoted by Antara.

Lia said in the Philippines that she was astonished by her victory.

"I was surprised that I won the bronze."

Of the three gold medals on offer Thursday, Japan took two and Italy one.

Japan's second gold was won by Wakai in the men's individual event. Italy took a gold through Talerio in the men's 75-kilogram individual kumite.

The world karateka championships began Thursday and end tomorrow. Forty countries are taking part.

Indonesia sent 24 karatekas to the Philippines, 14 men and 10 women.

They are competing in the men's and women's team kata, men's and women's individual kata, men's individual kumite and women's individual kumite.

The Indonesian team is comprised of Elandrian Vitara, Johni Sihotang and Ardiansyah (men's team kata), Iin Hasanah, Sari Sri Haryati and Yuli (women's team kata), Ariston and Agung (men's individual kata), Iin Hasanah and Vera Simatupang (women's individual kata), Ridwan, Al Fatah, Muklas, Buchori, Mika, Sonny, Yohanes Alfonso, Yan Pieter (men's kumite), and Leni Sartika, Lia Nurliati, Nawangsi, Wini Wulnadri, Rita Sagala and Adelia (women's kumite).

The association only sent its second ranked karatekas because its top athletes are training for the 19th SEA Games here in October. (lnt)