Malaysia’s national karate team is experiencing a significant leadership shift as R. Sharmendran, a former SEA Games gold medallist and current back-up team head coach, steps in as interim head coach for the senior squad.
The Malaysian Karate Federation (MAKAF) appointed Sharmendran to temporarily fill the role following the departure of Egyptian coach Tamer Abdelraouf Mohamed Mourssy, whose contract concludes this year.
In his new role, Sharmendran’s responsibilities extend beyond the senior squad, as he will also oversee the national back-up team.
This dual responsibility requires a keen eye for performance monitoring and strategic preparation.
MAKAF secretary-general Mohd Razlan Shah expressed full confidence in Sharmendran’s ability, citing his illustrious career as one of Malaysia’s top karatekas and his possession of a Level Two coaching certification.
The interim appointment will be closely evaluated, with a six-month performance review period.
This assessment aligns with key upcoming events, particularly the Southeast Asian Karate Federation (SEAKF) Championships in Brunei next April.
Success in this role could see Sharmendran appointed as the permanent head coach, especially with the 2025 Thailand SEA Games on the horizon.
Supporting Sharmendran during this transition are experienced coaches S. Senthil Kumaran and L. Kunasilan, who will assist with the senior team, while Mohd Hatta Mahamut will focus on the back-up squad.
This collaborative effort ensures that both teams receive the necessary guidance and preparation during this critical phase.
Sharmendran’s new role is a natural progression of his dedication to Malaysian karate.
One of the country’s finest karate athletes, he etched his name in history by winning four consecutive SEA Games gold medals.
His victories span the years 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2023, breaking the previous national record of three titles held by coach R. Parameswaran.
Following his fourth gold medal win in 2023, Sharmendran announced his retirement as an athlete and transitioned into coaching to nurture future karate talents.
His passion for the sport remains evident through the mentorship and wisdom he continues to impart to aspiring athletes.
With this interim appointment, all eyes are on Sharmendran to see if he can guide Malaysia’s karate team to further international success while proving his leadership credentials for the long haul.
Source: Bernama
