Asiad: Makaf confident of making 12-year gold drought

MELAKA - The Malaysian Karate Federation (Makaf) is optimistic that the national squad can end their 12-year wait for gold in karate at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, in September.

Makaf president Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad said the squad were making thorough preparations for the games, including undergoing a month-long training in Egypt in June, which will be followed by similar stints in Japan and Vietnam.

"These preparations are also for the 19th Asian Karate Championship in Melaka from July 20 to 23, which is the best platform for the national exponents to test their capability and improve their performance.

"At the Asian karate championship we are targeting at least one gold, either from the kata or kumite discipline," he told reporters at his Aidilfitri open house in Ujong Pasir here last night.

Also present was Melaka Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam, who is also Makaf adviser.

Nur Azmi said based on their performance at the Asian championship, Makaf would pick their squad for the Asian Games, where Malaysia have failed to strike gold in the last three editions.

He said with the guidance of new Egyptian coach Tamer Abdelraouf Mohamed Mourssy as well as the commitment and spirit of the national karate exponents, Malaysia were confident of achieving their targets in both meets.

"Our haul of four golds, two silvers and five bronzes at the recent Sea Games in Cambodia, which surpassed our three-gold target, also augurs well for the national squad,” he added.

Nur Azmi said preparations for organising the Asian championship at the Melaka International Trade Centre were proceeding smoothly.

"We will be well prepared to play host to 1,500 athletes and 500 para athletes from 45 countries,” he said. - BERNAMA