Karatekas edge Vietnam to end 12-year wait for men's kata medal
TOYOHASHI: National karate exponents ended a 12-year wait for a men’s kata medal at the Asian Games after clinching the team event bronze on Wednesday.
Malaysia's national karate team secured a bronze medal in the men's kata event at the Asian Games, ending a 12-year wait for a men's kata medal. The Malaysian team, comprising Aiqal Asmadie, Haznil Henry, and Mukhriz Mazlan, defeated Vietnam in the bronze medal playoff at the Toyohashi Gymnasium. The team won 3-2 against Vietnam's Giang Viet Anh, Pham Truong Giang, and Pham Minh Duc.
Prior to this, Malaysia lost 5-0 to Kuwait in the semi-finals after being given a bye in the quarter-finals. Hong Kong won the other bronze medal by defeating Taiwan 3-2 in their playoff. Macau and Kuwait, who won silver and bronze at the Hangzhou Games, will compete for the gold medal later in the day. Aiqal expressed satisfaction with the bronze medal, acknowledging the strength of the competition.
He mentioned that though the team would have preferred a final appearance, they fought their hearts out. Aiqal also noted that their next target will be the upcoming Malaysia SEA Games, aiming to secure the gold medal.
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