IRAN EMERGES AS THE TRAILBLAZER IN THE 19TH ASIAN KARATE CHAMPIONSHIP

MELAKA (22 July): Iran's karate team showcased an outstanding display of skill and determination, emerging as the frontrunner in the medal tally on the second day of the 19th Asian Karate Championship at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC), Ayer Keroh.

Securing a total of five medals, the Iranian athletes claimed two golds and three bronzes, establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with.

In the men's 55kg kumite, Benham Dehgazadeh clinched the gold medal, while Atousa Golshadnezhad claimed Iran's second gold in the women's 61kg kumite.

In close pursuit, Kazakhstan are second with one gold, one silver and two bronzes. Sofya Berultseva contributed their sole gold in the women's 68kg kumite.

Meanwhile, favourites Japan are third with one gold and one silver.

Of the 13 countries to have won medals so far, Malaysia currently rank seventh. The national squad's two bronze medals came yesterday, through S. Prem Kumar in the men's 55kg kumite and Zakiah Adnan in the women's under-61kg kumite.

However, the second day proved difficult for the national karate squad. Five athletes, considered among the country's main hopes, were eliminated before reaching the final stages: H. Sureeya Sankar (men's kumite -60kg), Muhammad Arif Afifuddin (men's kumite 84kg), K. Gnanasekaran (men's kumite +84kg), M. Poovanesan (women's kumite -55kg) and Amirah Syahirah Azalan (women's kumite -68kg).

In an unfortunate turn of events, Sureeya Sankar, a gold and silver medallist at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, failed to advance after a hard-fought battle against Thailand's Muekthong Siwakon in the men's -60kg kumite. Despite a 5-5 tie, the referee's decision went in favour of the Thai athlete based on the first points scored.

"I am deeply disappointed by this outcome, even though the score was tied at 5-5. The victory ultimately went to the athlete from Thailand," said Sureeya.

"Today, I felt less energetic due to a fever, and it slightly affected my focus," he added.

In the opening round, Sureeya had secured a convincing 8-3 victory against Indonesia's Ari Sapura.

Muhammad Arif fell short in his bid to reach the semi-finals, losing 4-6 to Japan's Rikito Shimada in the quarter-finals.

Amirah Syahirah, competing in the women's -68kg kumite, lost 3-4 to Taiwan's Chao Jou.

In the men's +84kg kumite, Gnanasekaran could not match Thailand's Kangtonh Teerawat, losing 3-6.

Poovanesan, competing in the women's -55kg kumite, showed resilience but was beaten 4-10 by Japan's Kodo Rina.

As the championship unfolds, the athletes continue to show remarkable dedication and sportsmanship, making the 19th Asian Karate Championship an electrifying spectacle for martial arts fans.