Malaysian karate star Prem Kumar targets gold defence in 2025 SEA Games, seeking individual and team titles for national glory
NATIONAL KARATE EXPONENT S PREM KUMAR is determined to defend his men’s under-55kg kumite gold medal at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.
The athlete won his gold medal at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia and has been preparing for 12 months for his title defence.
He also hopes to help Malaysia reclaim the men’s team kumite gold medal previously lost to Vietnam.
“Of course I want to defend my gold,” Prem Kumar said during a visit by 2025 SEA Games deputy chef-de-mission Nazmizan Muhammad.
“Besides the individual event, if possible I want gold for both events, including the team event.”
National karate head coach R Sharmendran expressed confidence in achieving the three-gold mission set by the Malaysian Karate Federation.
His mission focuses on helping Malaysia win regardless of his role as coach or athlete.
“At the end of the day, it’s about the nation and national interest, not personal interest,” said the four-time consecutive SEA Games gold medallist.
“Whoever wins, it’s for Malaysia.”
Sharmendran won the under-75kg men’s kumite gold medal in four consecutive SEA Games from 2017 to 2023.
The 2025 SEA Games will run from December 9 to 20 across three Thai provinces.
Competition venues include Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkhla. – Bernama
