Prem cherishes extra training time to challenge the ‘big boys’
KUALA LUMPUR: The postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics has halted preparations for many athletes around the globe, however, it is a blessing in disguise for a few athletes like karate exponent, S. Prem Kumar.
In January, the below 55kg kumite exponent was told to prepare for the Tokyo qualifiers scheduled for May in Paris, where he was required to gain 12 kg within three months, with another month to adapt to his new weight category.
However, with the year-long postponement of the Tokyo Games originally scheduled to be held in July this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 26-year-old Segambut lad will have more than enough time to gradually increase his weight and get used to fighting in the below 67kg category.
Prem Kumar still needs to gain about 8kg within the next few months to be able to challenge the ‘bigger’ boys in the new qualifying system and tournaments yet to be announced by the World Karate Federation (WKF).
“I was selected into the programme suddenly in January, and had to gain weight in a short time. But the postponement of Olympics buys more time for me to prepare. I have to be at least 64kg to be able to fight against opponents in the 67kg category.
“Even if I take another four months to gain weight gradually, I will have a solid seven months to get used to my new bodyweight, adjust myself and test out new skills. I will continue to work hard towards my biggest dream, the Olympics,” the 2018 Asian Games bronze medallist told Bernama.
Prem Kumar and 2019 SEA Games gold medallist, R. Sharmendran (below 75kg), were undergoing special training under the Road to Tokyo 2020 programme in Europe with former national coach Andris Vasiljevs, but had to cut short the stint earlier this month due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Although the chance of contracting the virus was minimal while training in Latvia, with only one case reported during their stay, Prem Kumar said they decided to return home to avoid the risk when travelling for competitions around Europe.
Prem Kumar, who has been active in karate since the age of four, admitted it was hard to keep himself fit during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period, which has been extended till April 14.
“Despite staying at home, my routine is the same as in the training camp, but with more family time. On weekdays, I will start my day with 20 minutes of cardio before breakfast, followed by a bodyweight workout at noon and skills training in the evening.
“For weekends, I will have active rest by doing burpees and skipping exercises. It is not enough because we do not have outdoor training for fitness nor indoor sessions, and neither a sparring partner to improvise our skills.
“When we do our own training, we will feel everything is perfect and be in our comfort zone. We won’t push ourselves much. But when we train with coaches, they will push us to the limit and correct our mistakes,” he added.