KUALA LUMPUR: Former national karateka R. Sharmendran has been appointed national team interim head coach by the Malaysian Karate Federation (MAKAF).
The four-time Sea Games gold medallist quit the national team last year, after serving for 12 years as an athlete, due to injuries and joined the national development squad with former Asian champion Mohd Hatta Mahamut.
The 32-year-old was given the position following Egyptian coach Tamer Abdelraouf Mohamed Mourssy's departure after his contract was not renewed after serving two years.
Sharmendran will be the first local in charge of the elite squad since Datuk P. Arivalagan, who was the chief coach from 2004-2011.
MAKAF general secretary Razlan Shah Mohamad Rabii confirmed that Mourssy has parted ways with the senior karate team and hence the need for a coaching reshuffle.
"Sharmendran is currently coaching the junior team, but we will put him as the interim head coach of the senior team next year. He will be assisted by L. Kunasilan and Senthil Kumaran, who are also former national exponents," said Razlan.
"Hatta will be in charge of the national development squad. We will have the senior and junior exponents training together next year."
Razlan added that there's a possibility of Sharmendran taking charge until the Thailand Sea Games in December next year.
The national team will have a busy 2025, competing in the SEAKF, the Sea Games, Asian Championships in Guangzhou and World Championships in Cairo.