R. Sharmendran Promoted to Interim Head Coach of Malaysian Karate Team

Kuala Lumpur: Former Malaysian karate sensation R. Sharmendran has been appointed as the interim head coach of the national karate team, effective immediately. This promotion follows a year of service as a developmental coach. The four-time SEA Games champion succeeds Egyptian coach Tamer Abdelraouf Mohamed Mourssy, whose contract ends this year.

Sharmendran will lead the senior squad alongside assistants S. Senthil Kumaran and L. Kunasilan, while Mohd Hatta Mahamut oversees the junior team.

The Malaysian Karate Federation (Makaf) expressed confidence in Sharmendran’s extensive experience and coaching credentials, noting his ability to take on the challenge. The first test of his leadership will come at the Southeast Asia Karate Federation (SEAKF) Championship in Brunei in April 2025.

Makaf Secretary-General Mohd Razlan Shah stated that Sharmendran’s performance would be evaluated over the next six months, potentially extending his role until the SEA Games at the end of 2025.

Razlan added that Sharmendran has already proven his capabilities in developing junior athletes and is now tasked with managing the senior squad while aiming for increased success at major competitions.