Many people often witness the success of individuals without acknowledging the struggles behind their achievements. It is often the case that attaining success requires immense sacrifice and relentless perseverance.
Take, for example, Mike Tyson. During his active years in the boxing world, Mike Tyson would train in the early hours of the morning and perform 2,000 push-ups every day.
Similar struggles and sacrifices are faced by athletes in other sports, such as the realm of Karate. This time, we delve into the stories of Zahfa Nafiza Aulia and Shela Nurani Salsabila, national Karate athletes, who have fought their way to the top.
Zahfa Nafiza Aulia
Born in Majalengka on February 4, 2009, Zahfa didn’t immediately pursue Karate. She tried her hand at three other sports — archery, tennis, and swimming — before finding her focus in Karate.
Little did she know, Karate would provide her with both moments of joy and heartache. In 2017, Zahfa participated in a championship in Banjarmasin, where she had to be separated from her parents for a considerable period, despite being just 8 years old at that time.
Zahfa’s sacrifices and perseverance did not go in vain. She began to achieve numerous victories, starting with her first-place win in the INKAI National Team Kata category in February 2020, and a third-place finish in the Sekoci Cup in September 2021. Alongside the sorrowful experiences, Karate also introduced Zahfa to the joy of making friends from various provinces and different countries.
Shela Nurani Salsabila
Next, we delve into the journey of Karate athlete Shela Nurani Salsabila. Judging by her accomplishments, Shela has earned numerous national accolades, including a first-place win in the Senior Female Individual Kata category at the SENKAIDO Championship in October 2019, and a second-place finish in the Individual Kata category at the SEKOCI Cup in September 2021.
Behind her remarkable achievements lies a path strewn with arduous challenges. Despite the fatigue and occasional bouts of monotony, Shela perseveres through daily training, always motivating herself by recognizing that practice is a crucial element for future success.
Furthermore, Shela has made sacrifices in her education, often missing school due to competitions. However, all of her sacrifices have borne fruit. Starting her love affair with Karate in elementary school, she has carved out numerous accomplishments in the sport and proudly represents INKAI Jabar in various national competitions.
