Women’s karate team win two bronze medals in France

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian women’s karate team enjoyed a better outing in the International Feminine Cup championships in Hyeres, France, over the last weekend with two bronze medals after returning home empty-handed in the previous edition two years ago.

Seasoned campaigner G. Yamini and emerging young talent Shakila Salni Jeffry Krishnan were the toast of the team, making it to the medal rounds.

Laos SEA Games gold medallist Yamini cleared three bouts before she was beaten 0-2 by Tunisian B. Hasmoui in the semi-finals to settle for the bronze.

Shakila advanced to the semi-finals before suffering a heart breaking sudden-death decision against Turk Olivia Serap after two ties.

Elite squad members Vasantha Marial, G. Vathana and Jamaliah Jamaludin came close to adding medals to the Malaysian tally but bowed out in the quarter-finals.

The championships in France was the second overseas exposure of the year for the national karate exponents, who are gearing up for the Guangzhou Asian Games in November, and also the back-up squad, who will be competing in the Asian junior championships in Hong Kong in August.

Coach P. Arivalagan was satisfied with the performance of the team, considering that they were up against quality opposition.

“It was a four-star championships with participation of national teams from France, Germany, Holland, Egypt, Spain, China, Viet nam, Turkey, Switzerland, England, Slovakia and Russia,” he said.

“I am satisfied with the performance of the team. “Another exponent from the back-up squad, T. Sharmila, also performed well but lost being the first international competition outside of Malaysia for her she lacked the experience and bowed out in the early round.

“Shakila also earned a boost when she was selected to represent the Rest of the World against host side France.”