Selvam Prem Kumar blocking a kick from his team-mate during a training session ahead of the Asian Junior Karate Championships this weekend.
KUALA LUMPUR: National boys’ kumite team captain Selvam Prem Kumar will be on unfamiliar turf when he competes in the Under-68kg event at the Asian Junior Karate Championships (AJKC) at the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Association (KLBA) Stadium this weekend.
Prem has always competed in the Under-55kg, but the category is not included in the AJKC.
During the National Junior Karate Championships in March, he won a gold in the below 55kg event. A month later, he was triumphant in the same category at the South-East Asian Karate Championships in Can Tho, Vietnam.
“My physique is too small for the Under-68kg. I will have to change my fighting style and tactics to suit the situation,” said the 20-year old.
Despite the disadvantage in size, Prem remains confident and is determined to do well having undergone extensive preparations for the championships.
“In the run-up to the championships, I have been sparring and training with my Malaysian team-mates who are in the Under 68kg category.
“I have also had friendly matches with the experienced elite team exponents. They have helped me learn from my mistakes and shared with me valuable tips and pointers,” said Prem who trains under the Hayashi-Ha dojo.
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