SHAHMALARANI RECIEVES RM10,000 WINDFALL FROM MAKAF

SEPANG, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- National karate exponent C Shahmalarani received a windfall of RM10,000 from the Malaysian Karate Federation (MAKAF) in recognition of her success in winning the silver medal at the World Karate Championship in Cairo, Egypt recently.

The incentive was fully sponsored by MAKAF president Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad as an acknowledgement of her extraordinary achievement.

Shahmalarani said that her silver medal, won in her debut at the championship, was a moment she had trouble putting into words, especially since it was the first time a Malaysian made it to the final in 11 years.

“I’m proud. It’s really a pleasured moment for MAKAF itself and also it’s my debut (at the) World Championship. The main target this year is the SEA Games and the world championship was actually just preparation to test my abilities.

“But who knew I could make it to the final. It’s something… a history for my legacy, for my name,” she told reporters at a hotel here today.

Besides Shahmalarani, Zakiah Adnan and Lovelly Anne Robberth received RM2,000 and RM1,000 each, while head coach R Sharmendran and Norfarhan Nordin also received RM2,000 and RM1,000 respectively to honour their contributions in coaching the national squad.

Shahmalarani said her return to Malaysia was more meaningful thanks to the celebration by the contingent and the special incentive from the MAKAF president.

“Appreciation (is very) important for athletes because our efforts and sacrifices behind the scenes aren’t known by many. They only see the medal.

“So such an appreciation motivates us to continue our efforts, to work harder with the SEA Games in less than 10 days. It’s a very good booster for us,” she added.

Shahmalarani will be defending her under-50 kilogramme (kg) women’s kumite gold medal for the third consecutive time at the upcoming SEA Games.

Meanwhile, Nur Azmi shared that they intended to extend Sharmendran’s contract, which is due to end this month.

“His contract will be extended. If the NSC (National Sports Council) doesn’t pay the salary, I will do so myself. As president, I’m responsible.

“We have discussed this in Cairo and I am confident there’s no problem. I told Sharmendran: you just do it for me. If they never pay, I pay,” he added.

-- BERNAMA