Malaysia karatekas C.Shahmalarani and K.Thevendran made the nation proud at the 2025 Asian Karate Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, ending a 13 year drought with silver and bronze finishes in their respective categories.
Shahmalarani, 26, delivered a standout performance in the women’s kumite under 50kg division. After storming through the early rounds with commanding wins including an 8-1 victory over China’s Wan Junhui and 4-1 win against Japan Okazaki Aika, she stunned reigning work champion Moldir Zhangbyrbya of Kazakhstan 9-1 in the semi-finals.
Through she fell short in the final, losing 1-7 to Uzbekistan’s Gulshan, Alimardavova, Shahmalarani’s silver marks Malaysia’s first appearance in an Asian Championships kumite final since 2012.
“This win is deeply personal. It’s more than just a medal, its a breakthrough. Fall down seven times, stand up eight, they say! It literally took me seven AKF appearances to finally break a 13-year drought and bring Malaysia back to an AKF final.
“This wasn’t an overnight success. It took years of perseverance, five early exits, each one a lesson in patience, grit, and growth. After countless setbacks, I’ve finally reached the moment I’ve been striving for,” she said in a Facebook post.
Meanwhile, in the men’s kumite under 55kg category. Thevendran Kaliana Sundram secured a well earned bronze, his first ever senior Asian medal. Thevendran’s achievement adds another bright light of Malaysia’s name in karate. Uzbekistan’s Qosimov Sobitzon took silver, while Kazakhstan’s Bigablyl Zholoman won gold in that category.
With both Shahmalarani and Thevendran reaching the podium, Malaysian karate has signaled a powerful return to form on the continental stage.
Sources: Bernama, mysportifmedia
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