Malaysia Emerge As Overall Champions At Asia Open Silambam Championship In Qatar

GEORGE TOWN, Dec 30 (Bernama) — The success of Malaysia's Silambam team in clinching the overall title at the Asia Open Silambam Championship in Qatar two days ago has proven the ability of silambam exponents to compete on the international stage, despite facing stiff competition from more experienced nations.

Even more impressive is that all six exponents sent to the championship were products of the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) and represented the state of Penang: R. Prakash, B. Kavithira, M. Shasthiveena, K. Lenasshree, V. Ranishaa and B. Dharnisha.

Malaysia Silambam Association president Dr M. Suress expressed pride in the achievements of the team members, especially since it was their first time competing in the championship, and their initial target was only six gold medals.

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“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.

"As we know, India is a big name in Silambam with many talented players, as is Qatar, who had a lot of supporters present. The competition was tough, but our exponents delivered an outstanding performance. Even though two were injured, they managed to overcome the pain and scored the necessary points to win," he told reporters when met at Penang International Airport (PIA) shortly after arriving from Qatar today.

The national heroes' return was warmly welcomed by their families, with cheers of ‘Malaysia Boleh!’ and ‘Silambam Boleh!’ ringing out as they stepped out of the arrival hall in the presence of State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen and Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP) director, Harry Chai Heng Hua.

Suress expressed hope that this impressive performance would be continued in next year’s International Open Silambam Championship, with Penang scheduled to host the event. The championship is expected to feature around 12 countries, including European nations such as Switzerland, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, the team 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, provided they continue to deliver excellent performances and maintain discipline.

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.

"We only had two to three months to prepare for this championship because we were focused on SUKMA and the international championship in Sepang. We used that time to train," he said.

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," said Prakash who competed in the men's open over 60 kilogrammes (kg) category.

K. Lenasshree, 14, expressed her gratitude to the coach and the association, particularly MSNPP, for giving her the opportunity to compete internationally, even though she was initially nervous because the opponents were not ordinary exponents.

Gooi, on the other hand, said 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," he said.

The championship, which involved six countries, saw the Malaysian Silambam team win 12 gold medals, with each athlete contributing two medals in both individual skills and combat categories, thus being crowned overall champions.

The gold medal winners included Prakash in the men's open category over 60 kg, Shasthiveena in the under-17 women's category (55kg-65kg), Lenasshree (30kg-40kg), Kavithira (45kg-55kg), Darnisha (55kg-65kg), and Ranishaa (over 70kg) in the under-15 women's category.

— BERNAMA