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Sharmendran poised for larger role as karate eyes 2032 Brisbane Olympics | Scoop
Makaf pushes for the sport’s Olympic inclusion after 2028 setback, tasking Sharmendran with preparing young athletes for global competition. — @sharmendran Instagram pic, September 3, 2024
Sports

Sharmendran poised for larger role as karate eyes 2032 Brisbane Olympics

Makaf intensifies efforts for Olympic qualification, entrusting Sharmendran with shaping a versatile, competitive national squad

Main Author Image
Sandru Narayanan
Updated
12:00 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR — The head of the national karate development squad, R. Sharmendran, has a bigger role to play following the sport’s potential inclusion in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, according to the Malaysia Karate Federation (Makaf).

Makaf’s response comes after a recent meeting in Paris with the World Karate Federation (WKF) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during the Olympic Games, which focused on developing a qualification system for the world’s largest multi-sport event.

This push for inclusion follows the WKF’s unsuccessful bid to have karate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

It is understood that seven more meetings are planned between next year and 2028 to discuss competition categories and establish a fair qualification process, ensuring quota allocations for athletes from various continents.

Speaking to Scoop, Makaf president Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad emphasised the importance of Sharmendran’s role in preparing young athletes for Brisbane.

“As president, I’ve been working hard by attending meetings to secure our chance to compete in Brisbane. 

“We had a fruitful discussion with the WKF and IOC in Paris recently, and things are moving in a positive direction for the future of the sport in our country.

“Since I’m doing my part, I need everyone in Makaf to do theirs, especially Sharmendran and our athletes. 

“They need to be versatile if they hope to overcome opponents from Ukraine, France, Egypt, and Algeria to reach the podium,” said Nur Azmi.

Sharmendran, 32, is regarded as one of Malaysia’s most accomplished karateka, having won four SEA Games gold medals (Kuala Lumpur 2017, Manila 2019, Hanoi 2022, and Phnom Penh 2023). 

He currently leads the development squad under a two-year contract with Makaf.

The governing body has entrusted him with assembling a young, formidable team for the 2027 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur.

After undergoing six anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgeries over nine years, Sharmendran retired from competitive karate last year. 

“I have full trust in Sharmendran, and he has already started his work for Makaf. I believe he will be able to form a formidable team for the SEA Games.

“But that’s not enough—I want him to do more. The Olympics are even more challenging compared to both the Asian Games and the SEA Games, so now he has a bigger role to play. 

“I want him to ensure that the young talents are exposed to more tournaments and qualify for Brisbane,” Azmi added.

Karate made its Olympic debut in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as one of four optional sports. 

At that time, Malaysia’s top karate exponents—S. Prem Kumar, P. Madhuri and R. Sharmendran—did not qualify for Tokyo after losing in the qualifiers.

Despite karate’s popularity in France, it was excluded from the Paris 2024 Olympics in favour of breakdancing. — September 3, 2024

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