Karate to weigh Sharmendran’s role as head coach

PETALING JAYA: The role of R. Sharmendran (pic) as the national karate head coach hangs in the balance as the Malaysian Karate Federation (Makaf) weigh their options ahead of the SEA Games in Thailand this December.

The four-time SEA Games gold medallist was appointed acting head coach following the departure of Egypt’s Tamer Abdelraouf Mohamed Mourssy, whose contract was not renewed.

Despite holding the position in an interim capacity, Sharmendran has kept the national team on course.

Most recently, his charges delivered a strong showing by securing four gold medals in the kumite events at the 12th South-East Asian Karate Federation Championships (SEAKF) in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, two weeks ago.

The golds came through C. Shahmalarani (women’s below 50kg), K. Thevendran (men’s below 55kg), H. Sureeya Shankar (men’s below 60kg), and the men’s team event.

Makaf president Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad said he was personally pleased with Sharmendran’s commitment but added that his status would be discussed at the upcoming exco meeting.

“I don’t see any issue with him continuing in the acting role. I’ve observed a good working dynamic between Sharmendran and the rest of the coaching team. What’s important is that he has the cooperation of everyone. Personally, I have no problem retaining him, and we certainly won’t be terminating his services.

“But from a procedural standpoint, I will need to speak to the National Sports Council (NSC), as his salary is currently paid by them. I will also consult with the Makaf committee members, as all decisions must be made collectively,” said Azmi.

Azmi believes the SEAKF results should not be used as a benchmark for success at the year-end SEA Games, as some countries including Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia did not field their strongest line-ups.

“Based on our assessment, I believe winning three gold medals should be achievable, but it’s too early to make any official announcements, especially since the SEAKF meet is not a true benchmark,” he said.

“Shahmalarani is an outstanding athlete, but we shouldn’t rely solely on her to deliver medals.”

Karate has been one of the country’s most consistent contributors at the biennial Games. At the previous edition in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, two years ago, the national team delivered four golds, two silvers and four bronzes.