The Sarawak team with Yousef (fifth left), national coach Ali Reza (centre) and the two assistant coaches.
KUCHING: A young team of three girls managed to win two bronzes in the Makaf National Senior Open Karate Championships in Kuala Lumpur recently and it has given head coach Yousef Ataei Khanghah new hope.
It was the first assignment under his charge and the performance had raised confidence as he was impressed with the strong fighting spirit of the girls.
Yousef was spot on as he had predicted two medals before they went to the tournament.
Nur Syahzanani Izzati Yahya clinched the Female Individual Kumite (Sparring) 68kg Above bronze medal.
She teamed up with Syaza Darmanto and Elnieshernie Endun Leo to win the other bronze in the Female Team Kumite.
Meanwhile, another Sarawak exponent Vincent Garfelo Disen had to be withdrawn in the second round as he was injured when an opponent punched him in the mouth.
“In fact the Sarawak exponents did very well to win medals at a high level competition considering most of the opponents are either national players or veterans in the sport while most of our athletes are young and inexperienced.
“There were so much quality in the other teams but our exponents with only 45 days of training managed to win two medals which was a great achievement,” said a MSNS official.
“Our coach is impressed with the fighting spirit of the Sarawakian athletes although not enough exposure is their main setback at the highest level of competitions.
“Our athletes fight with no fear and managed to do well due in great part to the astute coaching of the coach as he is well versed with the tactical and techniques and he also knows the athletes,” he added.
The official said Sarawak team need more competitions which is the best simulation to gain experience.