PETALING JAYA: National karate queen C. Shahmalarani achieved another milestone in her career after reaching a career high No. 5 in the latest world rankings.
In a huge boost before the SEA Games which starts on Monday in Thailand, Shahmalarani jumped six spots from No. 11 to No. 5 after her impressive silver medal feat in the below 50kg kumite in the World Championships in Cairo, Egypt, last week.
The 26-year-old did break into the top 10 when she reached No. 10 in the world earlier in the year before dropping one rung to No. 11.
Shahmalarani though ensured that she returned to the top 10 in style after becoming the first Malaysian karate exponent to clinch silver in the world meet in 11 years.
She did it in her maiden world outing after qualifying on merit.
Syakilla Salny Jefry Krishnan was the last Malaysian to win a silver in the world meet when she finished second in the below 61kg in 2014.
Shahmalarani was thrilled with her breakthrough and has vowed to fight hard to reach more milestones in her career.
"Years of sacrifice, discipline and resilience for moments like this," said Shahmalarani.
"I promise the climb is not stopping anytime soon. Hungry for more!"
Buoyed by her success, Shahmalarani is next eyeing a hattrick of gold medals in the SEA Games after capturing the title in the past two editions in Vietnam (2021) and Cambodia (2023).
"Defending the title will be challenging as all eyes will be on me in my category," said Shahmalarani.
"But this gives me more motivation to win another gold and I will go all out for this. I'm confident that karate will bring good news for Malaysia from Thailand."
The karate competition this time will be held from Dec 11-14 at the Chaeng Watthana Government Complex in Bangkok.
