Malaysian Puvaneswaran plots Thailand’s charge in karate

MALAYSIA’S karate exponents may have to tread with caution if they cross swords with Thailand in the Asian Games competition this weekend.

The Thais have two-time Asian Games champion R. Puvaneswaran (pic) of Malaysia coaching them.

It’s the first time he is back in the Asian Games after an eight-year absence.

Puvaneswaran took charge of the neighbouring team just before the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games, where they managed to bring back a total haul of one gold, five silvers and five bronzes.

“I was an athlete befor re this at the Asian Games but t now, I’m here as a coach this time,” said the 42-yearold, who retired after bagging his second Asian Games gold medal in n Guangzhou in 2010.

“It’s surely a different feeling, the responsibilities are bigger.

“I only need to plan for myself when I was an athlete but this time, I have to plan for all the athletes.”

Puvaneswaran is looking forward to the challenge to deliver good resuults although Thailand is not considered a powerhhouse in karate. However, the percepttion is changing and for a sstart, Puvaneswaran managged to bring a full squad of eigght exponents to Indonesia whilwhile Malaysia have only entered six – two in kata and four in kumite – for the Games. “Eight is the maximum number of exponents allowed for a country,” he said.

“This Asian Games is a test for me. We won three bronze medals in the Asian championships in Jordan. That was our best performance at the Asian level.

“I’m hoping to get one gold at the Asiad. It’ll be a very big achievement for karate but I know it is not going to be easy,” said Puvaneswaran, who is also grateful to his wife Jaya Lalitha for her steadfast support through the years.

“I had to leave them behind (in Malaysia) as my three boys are studying back home. My wife helps to take care of them so that I can concentrate on my job. It will not be possible without her support,” he added.