Karate Squad Eyeing Six Gold Medals In Laos

KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- The national karate squad, currently preparing for the Laos SEA Games, are targetting a six-gold medal haul in December.

National coach P. Arivalagan said although the SEA Games Federation (SGF) had reduced the number of events and participants, it would not affect their target or preparations.

"Based on the performance of our exponents in recent tournaments and training, I am confident of achieving the target," he told Bernama when met at the Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) karate championships today.

SGF has limited each country's participation in the Games to just six of the nine categories competed in the men's and four out of the six categories competed in the women's competition.

Unlike the Korat SEA Games in Thailand two years ago which offered 11 gold medals for the men and 8 for the women, Laos has decided to drop the Kumite events and the Kata team events.

The Malaysian karate squad in Korat, won eight gold medals, the second highest contributor to the Malaysian contingents overall medal tally, after swimming.

Arivalagan said though a number of exponents had been short listed, the final list would not be announced just yet.

"It is still a little early to announce the names of those going to Laos but I am confident that the team selected to Laos will be able to retain Malaysia's dominance in the sport," he said.

-- BERNAMA