KUALA LUMPUR – National karate (kumite) head coach R. Sharmendran wants his young charges to treat the upcoming Asian Karate Championship (AKC) as a pit stop to gain valuable experience ahead of their quest for glory at the Bangkok SEA Games and Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
Sharmendran’s remarks came after the national squad – primarily comprising back-up athletes – recently completed a one-week sparring stint in Hong Kong as part of their preparations for the AKC, scheduled to take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from May 23 to 25.
It is understood that the sparring sessions in Hong Kong also featured several top karatekas from Poland, Iran, Morocco, Italy, Canada, Japan, and Egypt.
Speaking to Scoop, Sharmendran – once regarded as one of the country’s finest karatekas – said he expects nothing less than a podium finish from his charges at the AKC.
“Our recent sparring session in Hong Kong was an eye-opener for me as a coach. We had fantastic sessions with some of the top athletes in the world.
“I’m genuinely excited to begin my first task as the national team’s head coach. I want all my athletes to follow the strategies and tactics I’ve set for them.
“I expect nothing less from them at this year’s AKC – I truly want them to achieve a podium finish, and if possible… go for the gold. The AKC is also the perfect opportunity for them to raise their game and aim for success at the SEA Games and Asian Games.
“Those who perform well at the AKC will be given the chance to compete in the SEA and Asian Games. The last few editions of the AKC have not been great for Malaysia, and I want to change the script this time,” Sharmendran said when contacted.
Sharmendran also stressed the importance of senior athletes currently in the National Sports Council’s Podium Programme stepping up to inspire their younger teammates to give their all at the AKC.
“We currently have 25 athletes in the training camp – nine under the Podium Programme and 16 from the back-up squad.
“I want the seniors to motivate and inspire the juniors to reach their peak performance,” he added.
Malaysia’s best performance at the AKC was in 2007 in Nilai, where the national team secured four gold medals.
At the Hangzhou edition last year, Malaysia earned a bronze through C. Shahmalarani in the women’s below-50kg category. – May 6, 2025