Battling for podium in Paris to get to Tokyo Olympics

stakes are high, and it could well be Malaysia’s karate exponents’ final attempt to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.

The exponents need to make it count when they compete in the Olympic qualifying event in Paris on June 11-13.

National coach R. Puvaneswaran wants S. Prem Kumar, R. Sharmendran and P. Madhuri to maintain a cool head in Paris.

The meet is their last chance to earn Olympic berths.

However, the trio face an uphill battle as only the podium finishers in the respective events will make it to Tokyo.

Indonesia Asian Games bronze medallist Prem Kumar and Sharmendran will compete in the men's kumite 67kg and 75kg events, while Madhuri in the women's 55kg category.

The Malaysia Karate Federation (Makaf) are not setting any targets for the trio, given that it will be their first competition in more than a year.

However, it is Puvaneswaran’s first big task as a coach.

Karate is making its Olympic debut in Tokyo where eight gold medals will be on offer.

“My exponents are aware that they have a chance to be Olympians by competing in Tokyo.

“This could be the only time karate is contested at the Olympic Games.

“We do not know whether karate will maintain its Olympic status as it is not part of the 2024 Paris Games.

“I know for sure Prem Kumar, Sharmendran and Madhuri will not allow this chance to go by, and they will surely give their best in the qualifier.

“However, I do not want to put unnecessary pressure on them by setting targets as they have not competed for a long time.

“The qualifier will be tough as it is for those who have not booked their Olympic berths.

“I believe everyone has a chance to qualify, provided they perform without pressure,” said Puvaneswaran.

The trio will head to Kazakhstan for a month-long training stint before going to Paris.

“The training intensity has intensified. It is focused more on skill and tactical training.

“We will not be the only ones in Kazakhstan as other teams will also be there to train,” added the two-time Asian Games champion.

“It will, however, be a good experience as my exponents will have quality sparring sessions.

“Kazakhstan have many quality exponents, including World No 1 Darkhan Asadilov, who has already qualified for the Olympics.”