Asian Games: Killer Syakilla back in shape

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysian contingent’s flag bearer at the 2018 Asian Games, Syakilla Salni Jefry Krishnan is back in shape and is ready to strike down her opponents.

The 26-year-old karate exponent, is now more relieved after she managed to reduce her weight in order to compete in kumite below 55kg category after been disqualified from competing at the Asian Championship in Amman, Jordan, last month, for exceeding the weight in the category.

“It was a tough time for me, I was physically and mentally down…But now, with the help of National Sports Institute, National Sports Council, my teammates, Malaysian Karate Federation (Makaf) and coaches, I am back on track.

“They are the one who pushed me and were my backbone for my preparations,” she told reporters after receiving the Jalur Gemilang from Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad at Dataran Perdana, Bangunan Perdana Putra here, today.

Syakilla Salni bagged the kumite below 61kg gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, before Makaf asked her to fight in the below 55kg category, and she is aiming for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medal.

She became the first Malaysian karate exponent to be ranked world number one in October 2016.

When asked about her double pressure after given the responsibility as the flag bearer as well as the high expectation to deliver a gold medal, Syakilla Salni said it was an honour to contribute to the nation.

“I was a little pressured as the flag bearer, but felt very honoured to lead the national contingent in the Asian Games. As for the gold medal, I am not pressured because I am mentally and physically prepared, but I am expecting tough challenge from all opponents. I will go all out and then the result will come after that,” she said.

She is expected to depart for the Opening Ceremony scheduled on Aug 18 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, before returning home after the ceremony for the national karate squad’s final phase of preparation, as Makaf has scheduled sparring sessions against exponents from Ukraine, Estonia and Latvia.

After the final phase of training, she with her teammates will depart for Jakarta once again for karate events, scheduled from Aug 25-27 at Jakarta Convention Center (JCC).

-- BERNAMA