Malaysia’s Silambam Team Shines at Asia Open Championship
Malaysia’s Silambam team has made the country proud by clinching the overall title at the Asia Open Silambam Championship in Qatar, despite facing stiff competition from more experienced nations.
The team, comprising six exponents from Penang, R. Prakash, B. Kavithira, M. Shasthiveena, K. Lenasshree, V. Ranishaa, and B. Dharnisha, all products of the Malaysia Games (SUKMA), have proven their mettle on the international stage.
Malaysia Silambam Association president Dr. M. Suress expressed pride in the team’s achievements, particularly since it was their first time competing in the championship, with an initial target of only six gold medals. However, the team managed to bring home 12 gold medals, double their target.
Impressive Performance
Suress praised the team’s outstanding performance, saying, "They competed well in Qatar, and we didn’t expect them to win all the gold medals and become overall champions. Our initial target was just six, but they brought home 12 – double our target."
The team’s coach, P. Raveendran, is confident that his players have a bright future in the sport, given that most of them are still young and have great potential to grow. However, he noted that they still require more exposure and training to further strengthen their skills and overcome nerves, especially when facing opponents with bigger physique.
Team’s Thoughts
R. Prakash, 30, said the championship was the best exposure for him as it allowed him to learn new techniques and disciplines. "India and Qatar provided very tough competition. Our initial mission was only to target one gold medal per exponent, but we managed to give more. This is a motivation for us to aim for even more in the upcoming championships," he said.
K. Lenasshree, 14, expressed her gratitude to the coach and the association, particularly MSNPP, for giving her the opportunity to compete internationally. "I was initially nervous because the opponents were not ordinary exponents, but I managed to overcome my nerves and achieve success," she said.
Penang’s Support
The Penang Government, especially MSNPP, has always focused on the development of traditional sports such as Silambam and Kabaddi. "MSNPP has been one of the biggest supporters of Silambam, helping to build players who have become the backbone of the national team. For the international championship next year, we hope the advantage of being the host can be used as a great opportunity for exponents to compete and achieve success," said State Youth, Sports, and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen.
Conclusion
Malaysia’s Silambam team has made a remarkable debut on the international stage, and their impressive performance is a testament to their hard work and dedication. With continued support from the government and the association, the team is poised to achieve even greater success in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the initial target of the Malaysia Silambam team in the Asia Open Silambam Championship?
A: The initial target was six gold medals.
Q: How many gold medals did the team eventually win?
A: The team won 12 gold medals, double their initial target.
Q: Who are the six exponents from Penang that made up the Malaysia Silambam team?
A: The six exponents are R. Prakash, B. Kavithira, M. Shasthiveena, K. Lenasshree, V. Ranishaa, and B. Dharnisha.
Q: What is the next international championship for the Silambam team?
A: The next international championship is scheduled to take place in Penang next year, with around 12 countries participating, including European nations such as Switzerland, Germany, and the United Kingdom.