Only two of five national exponents have the competitive edge to do decently at the World Karate Championships, which starts today in Dubai.
The others, who have not competed in international meets for over two years, are not expected to shine.
Malaysia have named Kumite exponents Prem Kumar, A. Somanroy, Arif Afifuddin (men), M. Mathivani and P. Madhuri (women) for the world meet.
The world meet will double up as a trial to select exponents for next year's Vietnam Sea Games and Hangzhou Asian Games.
However, karate coach R. Puvaneswaran expects his trainees to impress in Dubai, despite not competing regularly for over two years.
Prem and Madhuri had participated in the Olympic qualifiers in Paris in June. Both were ousted in the fourth round of their respective categories.
"We could not participate in other international meets due to border restrictions.
"However, my exponents are motivated as the world meet will serve as a trial for the Sea Games and Asian Games," said Puvaneswaran.
Reigning Sea Games champion Prem will compete in the men's 60kg event, while Arif and Somanroy are down for the 67kg and 84kg competitions.
Madhuri, also a Sea Games champion, and Mathivani will compete in the women's 55kg and 61kg events, respectively.
"Except for Prem and Madhuri, it will be the first competition since 2019 for the others, so we do not have a medal target," he added.