PETALING JAYA – The Malaysian Karate Federation (Makaf) has pledged monthly allowances to any of its exponents who secure a top-five world ranking starting this year.
Makaf president Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad said that the governing body has taken this initiative to provide additional motivation for athletes to work harder and achieve outstanding performances in the future.
“We have decided to provide a monthly allowance to athletes in the top five world rankings. C. Shahmalarani is currently ranked 20th, with Muhammad Arif Afifuddin Ab Malik at 40th.
“This allowance, funded by Makaf, will be given every month as a token of appreciation for their performance, as long as the athletes maintain their positions,” he stated after the Makaf annual general meeting, which took place today.
Earlier, Nur Azmi also presented incentives totaling RM20,000 from Makaf to five athletes who successfully contributed medals for the country in 2023 and early 2024.
The five are kumite exponents Muhammad Arif, Shahmalarani, Lovelly Ann Roberth, Niathalia Sherawinnie Yampil, and Naccy Elly Evvaferra Rojin.
Arif won gold in the men’s individual kumite 84kg category at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, while Shahmalarani took gold at the World Karate Federation, Karate 1 Series A Championship in Larnaca, Cyprus, in the women’s under 50kg category in January.
Lovelly Ann contributed a silver medal in the women’s kata event at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games and won a silver medal in the team kata event with Niathalia and Naccy. – March 3, 2024