KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia emerged as a karate powerhouse in the region after emerging as overall champion in the 2nd South East Asia Karate Championships that ended in Clark, Philippines on Sunday.
Malaysia topped the overall medal tally in the competition that was participated by five other countries, with 11 gold, eight silver and three bronze medals while Indonesia finished second with nine gold, five silver and 10 bronze medals.
Malaysia Karate Federation (Makaf) secretary-general Vincent Chen Chee Hong said the federation was satisfied with the achievement of the national karate exponents and their emergence as a powerhouse in the region.
Malaysia were the overall runner-up in the previous edition.
“I am proud of their achievement, especially the back up squad exponents because they showed tremendous courage and maturity when facing their opponents.
“Among those who had performed above expectations was S Jayaraman and S. Raghonathan,” he said.
Jayaraman won the Men’s Senior Kumite 75kg and below gold medal while Raghonathan picked up a silver from the Men’s below 67kg category after beating fellow countryman Shaharudin Jamaludin.
Apart from Malaysia and Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and host Philippines took part in the championships. — Bernama