KUALA LUMPUR: National karate squad head coach, Ali Reza Souleymani is confident that his charges can win four gold medals at the 2019 Philippines SEA Games in November.
Ali Reza, who made a return to the national squad since early this year, revealed that his charges, comprising young and experienced athletes, were highly motivated after undergoing intensive
training for the past several months ago.
“They must fight for a place in the 2019 SEA Games, but I believe we are on the right track to achieve the four gold medals
target set by Makaf (Malaysia Karate Federation). The final selection of athletes will be concluded after they have taken part in some international tournaments,” he said.
The 61-year-old Iranian coach was speaking to reporters after receiving a visit from Malaysia’s Chef-de-Mission to the 2019 SEA Games, Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Omardin at the National Sports Council (NSC) Shooting Range, here, Wednesday.
Ali Reza, who guided the national karate squad between 1998-2003, assisted Malaysia to win a medal at the 2002 World Karate Championships.
Meanwhile, Makaf secretary-general Datuk Nur Azmin
Ahmas revealed that Makaf still maintained a gold medal target for Syakilla Salni Jefry Krisnan although the national senior
athlete opted to train in Phuket, Thailand with former national coach, Andris Vasiljevs from Latvia. – Bernama
He stressed that Makaf had no problems for Syakilla to continue undergoing training abroad under Vasiljevs as long as it benefited both parties.
‘’We are not leaving Syakilla just like that but we are monitoring the programme drawn up by the NSC for her. The four gold medal target stays, namely, three in sparring and one in forms,’’ said Nur Azmi.
Syakilla, 26, who is a national prospect to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, was reported to have rejected the request of the NSC for her to train under Ali Reza since early this year.
She was reported to be facing problems in reducing her weight resulting in her missing several championships in the Makaf calendar which offered Olympic qualifying points. – Bernama
