Former National Karate Champion, R. Sharmendran has been appointed as the Head of National Development Squad following the invitation by the Malaysia Karate Federation (Makaf). He has an impressing track record of winning four gold medals at the Southeast Asian Games. Makaf has given him a two-year contract to build a competitive team for the 2027 Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur.

Throughout his remarkable career, he has won gold medals in the men's under-75 kg Kumite competition at the SEA Games in 2017 Kuala Lumpur, 2019 Manila, 2022 Hanoi, and 2023 Phnom Penh. But last year, a string of six surgeries on his anterior cruciate ligament forced him to retire from competitive action.

Working with former captain Hatta Mahamut, Sharmendran's main goal is to develop future potential in order to revitalise the national team. With a focus on pleasing the home fans, he hopes to guarantee a solid performance at the SEA Games in 2027.
 

Sharmendran stated his gratitude to Makaf president Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad for the chance and pledged to see through the federation's goals and objectives. He understands how difficult it can be to lead the younger players, but he intends to create a fun and engaging training environment to build a close relationship with them.

Even though his contract is just for two years, Sharmendran is still committed to giving back to the sport by mentoring young athletes. He is actively searching the nation for more talent and has already started the selection process with 39 athletes.

With 31 karate medals won by the country, including eight golds, karate has been a major medal prospect for Malaysia at international events like the Asian Games. Under Sharmendran's guidance, Malaysian karate is entering a new phase with the goal of preserving and improving the country's reputation in regional and worldwide tournaments.

Source: Scoop.com