RI karateka wins bronze at world championships

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)