KUALA LUMPUR: Four-time Sea Games champion R. Sharmendran believes he still has plenty to offer to Malaysian karate after announcing his retirement on Wednesday.
The Malaysia Karate Federation (Makaf) has offered him and former Asian champion Hatta Mahamut coaching roles to oversee the national development squad.
The 31-year-old has been contemplating retirement since his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery in November — his sixth surgery in the last nine years.
"I'm grateful for the offer from Makaf. The federation still believes I can contribute to Malaysian karate, and I feel honoured by the recognition," said Sharmendran.
"I had been in the national team for 12 years, and I still have a passion for the sport.
"I believe I can still contribute to the sport in Malaysia. I feel I can use my knowledge to produce new exponents with talent.
"Based on my experience, I know what it takes to produce quality exponents as a development coach.
"I will equip these young talents with what they need before they move up to the elite level."
Sharmendran became the most successful Malaysian karateka after clinching his fourth consecutive Sea Games gold medal from the men's Kumite below-75kg at the Phnom Peng Sea Games in May.
His previous victories were in 2017 Kuala Lumpur, 2019 Manila and 2022 Hanoi.
He added that he's looking forward to working closely with his role model Hatta.
"I think I'm blessed in this sport. Hatta was my big brother when I joined the national team.
"He guided and took good care of me, so I'm really looking forward to it.
"I see this task with the development team as crucial and a long-term project. We are looking at producing champions who can reach the Asian and world level."
"I believe we have the quality to achieve it.," he added.
