Killa is back

Karate exponent Syakilla wants to prove critics wrong

Asian Games karate champion Syakilla Salni Jefry Krisnan left the national fold nine months ago, but she wants to make a comeback with an eye on qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics. The fiery fighter is out to prove a point and believes she still has the kicks although she has been training alone.

Syakilla Salni Jefry Krisnan (pic) is a fighter with a point to prove – so, the karate exponent has decided to make a comeback after nine months.

Syakilla, who quit the national team in September last year, has returned to settle some unfinished business. She wants to earn a ticket to represent Malaysia in the Olympic Games in Tokyo next year.

The 27-year-old was seen as the country’s medal hope when karate was included for the first time in the Tokyo Olympics but she quit the national team following a troubled season last year.

First, she lost her coach Andris Vasiljevs from Latvia, whose contract was not extended, and then she had to miss several tournaments due to weight issues.

However, she is even more determined now. And, even without a coach or a sparring partner, Syakilla wants to realise her Olympics dream and silence a few critics.

“I quit the national team and took my time to recover from everything,” said Syakilla, who was ranked the world’s No. 1 female fighter in 2016.

“I’ve spent half of my life in building a career in karate with a dream of being a world-class athlete and competing in the Olympics.

“I’ve shed blood, sweat and tears ... I didn’t want to waste it.

“There were critics then. I’m back now to prove myself to some people out there who discouraged me from pursuing my dream.

“When I was performing well, I was surrounded by many but when things went wrong, no one stood by me except for my coach, family, friends and a few teammates.

“I had some discussion with the people who stood by me and they are supporting me in my mission to qualify for the Olympics.

“I still have some promises which I haven’t fulfilled and these are the things that are keeping me motivated.”

Although she has been out of the tpicture, Syakilla said she has been keeping herself super fit.

In fact, she has taken up a job as fitness trainer for the Selangor cricket team and has been dabbling with some online muay thai and MMA (mixed martial arts) classes.

“I help others keep fit and that helps me stay fit as well,” she said.

“Currently, I’m my own coach and train independently ahead of the Olympics qualifiers (Premier League) in Paris next year.”

But she could do with some help. “It’s not easy as there are other expenses. I have to consider physio treatment, massage, rehabilitation, gymnasium workouts, nutrition and equipment. It’ll cost me about RM2,000 a month.

“It would be great if some sponsors or kind souls are willing to support me so I can fully focus on my Olympics dream,” said the 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games champion.