Makaf urge affiliates to support national c’ship

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Karate Federation (Makaf) want their affiliates to support the National Championship scheduled for April 23-24.

The national body are looking to add new talents as they want to rebuild the national team following their dismal outing at the Indonesian Asian Games in 2018.

The team dished out their worst performance in Asiad history with just a bronze from debutant S. Prem Kumar in the men’s kumite below 60kg.

Makaf secretary-general Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad said he hoped all the affiliates and karate clubs will send their exponents.

“The championship will be an open tournament because we want everyone to participate and show their talents but we’re not neglecting our affiliates. We want their full support as well,” said Nur Azmi.

“We’ve been hearing that some affiliates and clubs are stopping their athletes from competing. We at Makaf just want to look for new talents and we’re open about it.

“We do think about our affiliates and the rates for them to compete are lower compared to athletes from non-affiliates.”

Nur Azmi added that the State Sports Council should play a bigger role in ensuring clubs from their respective states have participants in the championship.

“We’ve been hearing some clubs and affiliates are unwilling to release their athletes. Even parents have called us complaining about this situation.”