All set for high kicks in Spain

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MALAYSIA will be represented by a contingent of nine at the World Kickboxing championships starting in Spain tomorrow.

The team, comprising five boys and two girls, will be led by AVS Bathi, who is the president of the Malaysian Kickboxing Federation (MKF), and Hon Nancy as a referee.

The boys are Muhammad Eezzuan Mohd Akbar, Carlo Abdul Karim Delogu, James Robinson Kwa, Coste Victor and Bryan Leong while the girls are Rachel Darshini Henry and Cheong Ee Wan. Leong is the youngest member in the team while Cheong is the oldest.

Youngster: Leong will be the youngest contender from Malaysia.

Leong is only six while Cheong is 24 and the other five are below 18. Both Leong and Victor are also active in taekwondo and had taken part in some competitions.

Bathi, who is a seventh Dan in kick boxing, said he would be in action in the veteran light weight category.

“Except for myself, the others are making their debut at the championships. The exponents have been impressive in a special training programme initiated six months ago.

“They were committed towards the training programme and willing to go through the vigorous sessions. Their commitment was encouraging and gave us the motivation to set high targets. We have given them the best in training and now it is time for them to show their mettle in the championships,” Bathi said.

The contingent has set a target of five medals but Bathi was not willing to predict the colours yet. At the last championships, the Malaysian team, also led by Bathi, returned with 13 medals (two gold, five silver and seven bronze).

MKA deputy president Tunku Nasiruddin Tunku Shahabuddin said they had big plans for the exponents.

Go for it: Rachel Darshini Henry (right) going through her paces while coach Bathi (left) monitors the session.

“This is the first competition for them and it would be an opportunity to gauge their progress against an international field. We want them to excel as well as gain exposure. We hope to see them return wiser,” Tunku Nasiruddin said.

Bathi said they were keen to participate in other kick boxing championships to be held in Europe.

“The World Kickboxing championships will give an insight of our exponents’ potential. Then we will be able to start plans towards the competitions in Europe,” Bathi said.