Lightweight Prem has a heavy burden

National karate exponent S. Prem Kumar (right) during training for the Asian Games at National Sports Council, Bukit Jalil. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

BASED on his bodyweight, karate exponent S. Prem Kumar is considered a no-hoper in the men’s below 67kg event at the Asian Games – but the Malaysian has vowed to prove in Hangzhou that he has the guts to battle in any category for a podium finish.

Prem was Malaysia’s only medallist in kumite at the 2018 Games in Jakarta, winning the bronze in his preferred below 60kg event, but he has since been required to switch weight categories due to team strategy.