Karate queen keeps the flame alive through festive season

Dressed for the occasion: C. Shahmalarani posing for a photograph in her saree. — Shahmalarani’s Instagram

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s karate queen C. Shahmalarani is not taking her foot off the pedal – not even during the Deepavali holiday week.

While others wind down for the Festival of Lights, the world No. 12 is keeping her focus firmly on the mat as she prepares for two major assignments as both are key to her mission of staying at the top in the women’s kumite 50kg category.