Indonesia is the host of the 2025 SEA Hapkido Championship, the target of entering the latest SEA Games – Indonesia

Viralterkini.id, Jakarta – A total of 440 athletes from 13 countries took part in the 2nd South East Asia Hapkido Championship 2025 which was held at the Student Center of Atma Jaya University Yogyakarta (UAJY).

This international championship has been going on since Friday (6/14/2025) and is an important momentum in an effort to encourage Hapkido sports in a multi-event region such as the SEA Games.

The competition was attended by participants from Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, India, to Mexico.

Participation from various countries shows the high enthusiasm and commitment of the International Hapkido community in developing this South Korean martial arts.

Chairperson of the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI), Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Marciano Norman, officially opened the championship through the beating of Gong as a symbol of the start of the match.

In his remarks, Marciano expressed his appreciation for the hard work of all parties who supported the implementation of this event.

“I express my gratitude for the extraordinary collaboration of the Hapkido Indonesia Central Board (PP.HI), Yogyakarta Special Region, Yogyakarta Atma Jaya University, as well as all committees and participants. This is an important momentum to encourage improving the quality of Hapkido Indonesia athletes,” Marciano said.

He also expressed his hope that Hapkido could develop further until it was officially recognized in big competitions such as the SEA Games, the Asian Games, and even the Olympics.

“I hope the quality of Hapkido can continue to be improved so that one day it can be contested in the SEA Games, the Asian Games to the Olympics,” he said.

In line with this, the General Chairperson of the Indonesian Hapkido Center Management (PP.HI), Gusti Bendoro Pangeran Haryo (GBPH) Prakukusumo, emphasized that this championship was part of the great vision of the organization to fight for the existence of Hapkido at the official Southeast Asian sports event.

“This championship is an embryo for Hapkido to be officially competed at the SEA Games. We hope to start this step through exhibition, then continue as a competed branch,” he explained.

Yogyakarta’s Special Region also expressed its support for the implementation of this championship.

The Governor of DIY, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, in his remarks read by the Deputy Governor of DIY who is also the Chairperson of KONI DIY, Kanjeng Gusti Prince Adipati Aryo (KGPAA) Sri Paduka Paku Alam X, expressed his hope that this activity would not only be a competition for competition, but also forums to strengthen between nation relations.

“I hope this championship is not only a stage of achievement, but also as a meeting of eastern values ​​that strengthen between nation’s friendship,” said Paku Alam X representing the Governor.

This event also received the attention of the Hapkido World community. President World Hapkido Martial Arts Federation (WHMAF), Grandmaster Prof. Choi Don Oh, was present directly and gave full support for the championship.

As a form of appreciation and recognition of the contribution in the development of Hapkido in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, Grandmaster Choi Don Oh gave a black belt to a number of important figures.

Those who received the Honorary Black Belt included the Chairperson of the Central KONI Lt. Gen. TNI (Ret.) Marciano Norman, Deputy Chairman I KONI Central Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Dr. Suwarno, Chairperson of KONI DIY KGPAA Paku Alam X, and Kanjeng Pangeran Haryo (KPH) Indro Kusumo.

The Hapkido Southeast Asia championship is one of the important milestones in expanding the influence and recognition of Hapkido sports in the region and the international world.

In addition to being a place to show the achievements of the best athletes, this activity also strengthens inter-country sports diplomacy, especially in the Asian and Southeast Asian regions.

With the spirit of sportsmanship and interpersonal brotherhood, the 2nd South East Asia Hapkido Championship 2025 is expected to be the starting point for the development of Hapkido as a superior sport in the international arena.