KARATE ADD TWO BRONZE, THREE-GOLD TARGET MISSED

From Ahmad Nazrin Syahmi Mohamad Arif

BANGKOK, Dec 14 (Bernama) -- The national karate squad concluded their campaign at the SEA Games Thailand 2025 with two bronze medals on the final day of competition at the Chaeng Watthana Government Complex here today.

The two bronzes came from the men’s and women’s team kumite events after both teams defeated Laos 3-0 in their respective bronze medal play-offs.

The medal haul saw Malaysia's karate squad  finish the edition with a total of two golds, one silver and seven bronzes.

National karate team manager for the SEA Games Thailand 2025, K. Ananthan said overall the national athletes performed well in their bid to meet the three-gold target, but technical issues faced by the athletes in several categories dashed that ambition.

“The only gold that slipped from our grasp was in the men’s individual kumite U-67 kilogrammes (kg) event when our athlete was eliminated in the second round. The bout ended in a draw on points, but the judges’ decision went in favour of the opponent.

“If we had managed to get past that round, the chances of winning the gold medal would have been very bright,” he told Bernama here.

The two gold medals for the national karate camp were contributed by C. Shahmalarani in the women’s individual kumite U-50kg and Thevendran Kaliana Sundram in the men’s individual kumite U-55kg.

Malaysia had brought home a total of four gold, two silver and four bronze at the 2023 edition in Cambodia.

Elaborating further, Ananthan said a post-mortem involving all parties would be conducted to carry out evaluations and formulate new plans, especially in preparation for the 2026 Asian Games.

“We also have plans to appoint specialised coaches for the athletes. Everything will be decided after the post-mortem session,” he said.

-- BERNAMA