TANJUNG MALIM, Sept 15 — National karate athlete, S.Daneshkumar contributed the gold medal to the host contingent in the 75-kg kumite event in his first appearance at the Perak 19th Malaysia Games (SUKMA) here.
Daneshkumar defeated his opponent R. Mathevanan from the Federal Territory with a 2-1 win in the final at Muallim Hall, Politeknik Sultan Azlan Shah, Behrang here.
He said he had anticipated a stiff bout based on his previous record and training with the national team helped him win the game.
“I always think of myself as a national fighter despite performing at state level. That attitude helps to boost my confidence while in the ring. In the final just now, I have anticipated fierce opposition from the opponent.
“He exhibited a better fight than before. Seeing this is my first appearance, it was very important for me to try to do my best by giving Perak a win, “he told reporters.
The bronze medal event was shared by R.Vicknesh from Negeri Sembilan and S.Thayalan from Penang.
Danesh said he was targeting to represent the country to the Philippine SEA Games next year.
Meanwhile, the karate event which raised its curtain today saw the Federal Territories winning two gold medals in the women’s under 68 kg kumite event through G.Yasseny and M. Sri Kugasheni for the under 45 kg category.
Sabah also won a gold medal through Maychelle Roger Mool in the under 61 kg kumite category.
Penang won two gold medals in individual men and women’s kata events, respectively, through Ivan Oh Theng Wei and Ariana Lim Junyi — Bernama
