National Karate Squad Looks To Repeat Myanmar 2013 Success In Next Year's Sea Games

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 21 (Bernama) -- The national karate squad is determined to repeat their success as overall champions during the Myanmar SEA Games in 2013 in the 29th edition of the competition in Kuala Lumpur next year. Team manager Nik Ismail Rashid said the target set for the karate squad was six gold medals from 16 events. In Myanmar 2013, the karate squad contributed seven gold medals, while the sport was not included in the 2015 edition held in Sigapore. "No doubt the 19 athletes who will compete in the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur will want to perform well in front of the local supporters. Performing at home is also an advantage for the national athletes. "Both senior and junior athletes will be taking part this time. I expect to have at least six junior athletes for the Kumite discipline. The final list of athletes will be known by the third phase of preparation ahead of the SEA Games next year," he said at a press conference held in conjunction with the 'Kita Juara' (We are Champions) phase two athletes' gathering here Wednesday. Nik Ismail said that in preparation for the games, the karate squad had practised and competed in Europe, with athletes from Vietnam and Indonesia also in attendance. "The competition from Southeast Asian countries is great. They also practise in Europe to gain exposure. Our medal prospects are Lim Chee Wei in the Kata discipline, the men's team in the Kata discipline, and Kumite athletes Shamendran Ragonathan, Syakilla Salni Jefry Krisnan and Mathivani Murugesan," he said. -- BERNAMA