Ali: Ali is one coach who knows Malaysian karate environment

KUALA LUMPUR: Ali Reza Souleymani is back as Malaysia’s karate coach after 15 years.

The Iranian, who last trained Malaysian exponents in 2003, will report for duty tomorrow. His first task is to draft the training plans and review the athletes’ performances.

He replaces Latvian coach Andris Vasiljevs, whose contract was terminated after the national team’s failure to win a gold at the Asian Karate Championships in Jordan in July and the Asian Games in Jakarta in August.

Vasiljevs’ last assignment was the World Karate Championships in Madrid early this month.

Malaysia Karate Federation (Makaf) president Tan Sri Mohd Ali Rustam said they picked Ali Reza because of his experience in coaching Malaysian exponents.

“He has signed a two-year contract with us. He will be assisted by two local coaches,” said Ali at a press conference at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

“Ali Reza is well known in Malaysia and he revolutionised the Malaysian karate scene.

“Our target is to win medals in tournaments and we believe he is the man to change our fortunes.”

Ali said Vasiljevs contributed a lot but it was time for a change as Malaysia have not won any medal in tournaments for a long time.

“We returned empty-handed from the world meet in Madrid and it does not augur well for our Tokyo 2020 preparation.

“We want a coach who understands the Malaysian karate environment,” he said.

“European exponents are doing well and they can beat Japanese athletes. Our athletes are good with their hands but do not use their legs much. We know Ali Reza can help us.

“Makaf aim for at least one medal in every tournament we take part in. Getting a medal in the Olympics is the ultimate aim,” said Ali.

Malaysia’s top woman exponent Syakilla Salni Jefry Krisnan said she was excited to work with the new coach but admitted that it would take a few months to adapt to his style.

“I’m excited because this is the first time that I’ll be training under an Iranian coach,” said Syakilla.

“Iranians are top athletes in karate and they are known for their flexibility. I’m looking forward to learning from him.

“I hope I won’t take too long to get used to his style of coaching. Under Vasiljevs, it took me six months.”

Said Asian Games bronze medallist S. Prem Kumar: “Other coaches have good things to say about him. They said he is a good listener. I want to improve my techniques and tactics under him.”