No rest as Shahmalarani goes extra mile for more glory

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Malaysian karateka C. Shahmalarani is intensifying her training ahead of the 2027 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games after winning gold in the Under-50kg category at the recent Asian Games. Her rigorous preparation and discipline reflect Malaysia’s rising strength in karate as the nation aims to build on its medal success in regional and continental competitions.

Malaysian karate athlete C. Shahmalarani is intensifying her training efforts ahead of the 2027 Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, aiming to add more accolades to her growing list of achievements. At 27 years old, Shahmalarani has already made a significant mark by securing a gold medal in the Under-50kg category at the recent Asian Games held in Japan. She was one of two Malaysian karateka to claim gold at the event, alongside Adeola Fay Robert, who triumphed in the Under-55kg division.

Balancing her athletic career with academics, Shahmalarani is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Actuarial Science at Sunway University. Reflecting on her journey, she emphasized the demanding nature of reaching the podium, underscoring the intense commitment required to succeed at an elite level. She cited her rigorous training regimen, often exceeding those of her competitors in both duration and intensity, as key to her success. “When everyone trained six days, I trained seven. When everyone did 10 sessions, I did 12, sometimes even 15,” she said. Her dedication extends to traveling extensively to optimize her physical condition, demonstrating a willingness to go beyond conventional preparation.

Shahmalarani pointed out that her achievements are the result of perseverance rather than luck. “I may be the champion today, maybe not tomorrow, but no one beats me on my hard work,” she remarked. Her commitment signals a determined approach as she prepares to represent Malaysia at the next SEA Games.

In addition to Shahmalarani and Adeola, Malaysian karate athletes secured several other medals at the Asian Games. K. Thevendran took bronze in the men’s Under-55kg category, while H. Sureeya Sankar earned bronze in the men’s Under-60kg division. The men’s team kata bronze was captured by Mohd Aiqal Asmadie, Mohd Haznil Henry, and Mukhriz Mazlan.

These results highlight Malaysia’s growing prominence in regional and continental karate competitions, as the country continues to develop its athletes in anticipation of upcoming multi-sport events.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.