Shahmalarani strikes gold at WKF Karate Championship in Cyprus

Malaysian karate sensation, Shahmalarani Chandran, brought honor to the nation by clinching a gold medal at the World Karate Federation (WKF) Karate 1 Series A Championship held in Larnaca, Cyprus.

The 25-year-old athlete displayed exceptional skill and determination as she triumphed over Spain’s Eva Rodriguez with a score of 9-5 in the final of the 50kg category at the Kition Athletic Center. Shahmalarani’s victory not only secured another world series medal but also served as redemption after the disappointment at the Asian Games, where she was eliminated in the Round of 16.

In a post on Instagram, Shahmalarani expressed her elation, stating, “Adding one more to the collection of world series A medal. Lost our Asian meet title 5 months ago, feeling disheartened as we know the amount of effort and sacrifices made in the process of preparing for each championship. The anticipation for this moment was immense, and it’s a testament to perseverance of a long nine months wait after the podium finish at SEA Games 2023.”

Highest career ranking

Shahmalarani, who has ascended to the world No.20 ranking, emphasized that the goal extends beyond individual victories, aiming for sustained success over the long term. “Consistency matters the most here, and our next goal will be higher and undoubtedly more challenging than anything we have accomplished so far,” she wrote.

Last May, Shahmalarani made history by securing Malaysia’s first gold in karate at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, defeating Junna Tsukii from the Philippines in the women’s kumite under 50 kilograms category.

A true embodiment of excellence, Shahmalarani Chandran is not only a national karate champion but also holds a degree in actuarial science from Taylor’s University. Her outstanding achievements, including eight Dean’s List Awards, have garnered admiration. Additionally, in December 2022, she received the Royal Recognition “Bintang Kecemerlangan Sukan (BKS)” from Sultan Selangor.

With aspirations to become a teacher, Shahmalarani serves as an inspiration, breaking conventional archetypes with grace and confidence. Her achievements on the global stage not only bring glory to Malaysia but also exemplify the spirit of dedication and perseverance.