Karate exponent Prem wises up after painful lesson in 2017

NATIONAL karate exponent S. Prem Kumar will tread with caution in the Philippines after learning a bitter lesson in his first SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur two years ago.

Prem had initially been declared the winner in the fight against the Philippines’ John Paul Begar in the men’s 55kg class semi-finals.

But the Philippines officials made an official protest that Prem had flouted a rule in the match. The jury eventually found out that Prem had committed four offences, one more than the minimum three.

The two exponents were recalled to the mat and John was then declared the winner.

A disappointed Prem had to settle for the bronze medal as the losing semi-finalist.

“It was my first SEA Games and I jumped for joy when I was declared the winner but all that changed within minutes,” said Prem.

“The Philippines protested and the victory was handed to the Filipino. I was devastated and it took me some time to overcome it.

“I’ll be more careful, I do not want to jeopardise my chances again.

The competition will start on Dec 7 in Manila and Prem said he was in good shape.

After all, he did well to beat KL SEA Games gold medallist Iwan Bidu Sirait of Indonesia 3-2 in the second round of the Asian Championships in Uzbekistan in July.

“The draw for the SEA Games is not out yet but if I get a chance to fight against John, I’ll make sure that it will be fair this time,” said Prem.

“I retained the bronze in the Asian meet. John featured in the Asian meet in Uzbekistan too but he lost in the first round.

“I’m well prepared this time as I had the chance to spar with the five top Iranian national exponents in Bukit Jalil who were invited by Malaysia to spar with the SEA Games-bound exponents from Nov 1-15,” added Prem, who trains under national coach Ali Reza Soulymani of Iran.