Coach Sharmendran praises Adeola after sacrifices pay off in Nagoya
KUALA LUMPUR: Adeola Fay Robert’s Asian Games gold was more than Malaysia’s first title at Aichi-Nagoya — it also lifted a weight off teammate C. Shahmalarani ahead of her kumite challenge on Wednesday.
Adeola Fay Robert claimed an Asian Games gold medal in Kuala Lumpur, marking Malaysia's maiden title in Aichi-Nagoya. The achievement relieved pressure on teammate C. Shahmalarani ahead of her kumite challenge. Adeola, aged 20, demonstrated a composed performance to defeat Iran's Fatemeh Zahra Saeidabadi 6-4 in the women's under-55kg final on Tuesday.
She had previously won silver at the 2024 Sarawak Malaysia Games before being added to the national team program. Coach R. Sharmendran recognized Adeola's potential and integrated her into the national team, where she committed herself to elite sport training. Sharmendran praised Adeola's dedication, noting her intense daily regimen and academic studies.
She admitted Adeola faced challenges when joining the national team, as she was a top student studying Form Six when called to Bukit Jalil. Despite not always finishing on top, Adeola persevered, culminating in her gold medal debut at the Asian Games. Sharmendran expressed pride in Adeola's achievement and remarked that the pressure on Shahmalarani had eased following the win.
Karate provided Malaysia with three medals, with K. Thevendran and H. Sureeya Sankar securing bronze in men's kumite events. Sharmendran emphasized that the team would continue to focus and strive for further medals, including potentially a gold, emphasizing that no opponent should be underestimated.
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