Tuesday January 8, 2013
Karate exponent Yamini out for six months after knee op
By LIM TEIK HUAT
Big blow: G. Yamini’s only major for the year is likely to be the SEA Games in Myanmar. PETALING JAYA: It’s a bleak start to the year for seasoned karate exponent G. Yamini – she’ll be out of action for six months, at least.
The 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games silver medallist suffered a right knee injury during the World Championships in Paris in November – but only decided to undergo surgery late last month.
The 32-year-old from Cheras, who is the most experienced member in the national karate squad, will now miss the Asian Karate Championships in the United Arab Emirates in July.
“It’s sad as I’ve never missed out on the Asian meet in my career so far,” said Yamini, who has been in the national squad since 2003.
“I’ve never failed to return with a medal from the Asian meet ... that’s why it hurts not to be able to go this time. I can only start training after six months, at the earliest, and I won’t be in shape for a competition immediately.
“It looks like the only major meet I can look forward to is the SEA Games in Myanmar.
“I won consecutive gold medals in the last three SEA Games ... I want to maintain the streak.”
Yamini, who currently fights in the below 61kg kumite, said she opted to go under the knife “to save my career”.
“I tore my cartilage and the injury is quite serious. The doctor told me that surgery was the only option, although I’d be out for a long time,” she said.
“I’ll have to go for rehabilitation but I want to come back stronger as I still have the passion to fight.
“Next year’s Asian Games in Incheon (South Korea) keeps me going ... I want to bring back the gold medal.
“I came close to winning it last time ... it’s one of the things I’ve yet to achieve in my career.”
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