Monday (25/10) the team of journalists from the Public Relations Faculty of Psychology Universitas Gadjah Mada held an interview session with Aliffa Milanisty. This 7th semester student of the Faculty of Psychology UGM succeeded in becoming a representative of Central Java at the Pekan Olahraga Nasional (PON) XX Papua 2021 in the karate sport.
This 21-year-old student from Wonogiri has been actively practicing Karate since childhood. He has participated in various championships, some of which have brought him medals. His busy schedule in completing his thesis did not hinder his practice and participation in Karate competitions. His persistence in training has led him to successfully compete in this year’s highest national sporting event, PON XX Papua 2021.
Aliffa’s success in participating in the main round of PON XX Papua 2021 should be appreciated because only the eight best athletes who appear in this four-yearly sporting event in Indonesia for each sport. Aliffa managed to participate in the top eight of Indonesia’s best after going through a tight competition in pre-PON.
In the preliminary round of PON XX Papua 2021, Aliffa in the Kata Karate branch representing Central Java was in the same group with West Java, Bali, West Sumatra and the host Papua. Aliffa and the Central Java team were able to pass the preliminary round by reaching 3rd place.
In the bronze medal contest, the Central Java Karate team contingent had to face DKI Jakarta. Aliffa and friends showed their best ability in this round. Even though they have not managed to beat DKI Jakarta, Aliffa and his friends gave their best performance so that the final score was only slightly different.
In August the Central Java Karate team conducted a tryout session in Bali. Aliffa and the Central Java Karate team conducted a tryout to finalize preparations before competing in PON XX 2021 Papua.
“So because of the pandemic, at first it was usually a tryout abroad and others, but yesterday it was only possible to go to Bali,” said Aliffa.
The five-month training process towards PON was passed by Aliffa with the Central Java Karate team. The portion of training carried out for almost a full week with an intense rhythm and tight schedule. At 10 pm all athletes must go to bed immediately to maintain their mental and physical performance through the training program the next day.
“Every day the practice is in the morning and afternoon. In the morning it’s physical, then in the afternoon we go to the gym, we do fitness, then in the afternoon we just use the technique,” explained Aliffa when explaining the training program at the TPU in the first two and a half months of the five months of preparation for PON XX Papua 2021.
When asked how Aliffa was able to go to college while attending training camps, the key was how to divide her time carefully and effectively.
“If I’m tired, sure. Moreover, yesterday I was still taking KKN (Kuliah Kerja Nyata) too. So I have to be smart about managing my time. If there is a problem with pressure, there must be pressure, but it’s not something that brings stress,” explained Alifa.
In Papua, the GOR where Karate matches are held is at the Papua Aviation Polytechnic. Because the area is near the sea, the air temperature is very hot. This is a challenge in itself to be able to continue to display maximum performance in Papua.
Regardless of the results obtained, Aliffa is very grateful because this is the first PON that she is participating in. Since childhood, his parents have fully supported Aliffa’s career until he managed to penetrate the PON event in 2021.
After returning from PON XX Papua 2021, Aliffa wants to focus on completing her thesis at the Faculty of Psychology UGM and managing her career in the academic field. However, if in the following years Aliffa is still given the opportunity, then Aliffa will be ready to fight again in the sports arena at the next PON.
“Don’t waste the opportunity. When you have the opportunity, take it. If not now, then when?” so Aliffa’s short message closed the interview session this time.