Sharmendran to stay as coach, karate squad step up Asiad prep

KUALA LUMPUR: Former multiple SEA Games gold medallist R. Sharmendran (pic) can breathe easy as his contract as the head coach for the national karate squad has been extended until the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games in 2027.

And the national karate squad are set to receive a timely boost ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games from Sept 19-Oct 4.

The Malaysian Karate Federation (Makaf) confirmed that elite exponents from the United States and Europe will be invited here to train with the national squad as part of the latter’s preparations for the Asiad.

Makaf deputy president Datuk Vincent Chen, who attended a working committee meeting with National Sports Council (NSC) officials in Bukit Jalil, said the move to bring quality sparring partners to Malaysia, instead of sending national athletes abroad, is more cost-effective and will benefit more Malaysian exponents.

“The mock-up (proposed programme) we presented received the full support from NSC as well as the National Sports Institute (NSI),” said Vincent.

“Instead of sending our athletes abroad for a long period, we have invited them (sparring partners) here and our exponents can spar with them longer while using NSC and NSI facilities.”

Vincent added that the sparring programme will be conducted in phases and will be coordinated by consultant Andris Vasiljev Anderson as well as technical officials from Makaf.

“Our former national coach Andris is returning as a consultant to assist us with athlete profiling and detailed planning while Shamendran’s contract as national head coach has been extended,” said Vincent, who made it clear though that competition at the Asiad will be tough.

The squad will compete in the Karate Premier Series in Spain next month and also the Asian Karate Federation (AKF) Senior Championships in Bali in June.

“We will bring a combination of junior and senior exponents to these competitions based on their current form as the main focus is on (selecting) those who can contribute medals.

“The Asian championships will be a gauge of our chances at the Asian Games.

“The squad will then undergo a closed training camp sometime in August to fine tune their preparations for the Asian Games.”

Sharmendran has a lofty task ahead at the Asian Games as he will bid to defend the one gold and two silver medals won at the last edition in Hangzhou previously.