Bangkok: The national karate squad wrapped up their journey at the SEA Games Thailand 2025, securing two bronze medals on the final day of competition at the Chaeng Watthana Government Complex. Both the men's and women's team kumite events saw victories over Laos, with each team clinching a 3-0 win in their respective bronze medal play-offs.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia's karate team ended the event with a total medal tally of two golds, one silver, and seven bronzes. National karate team manager K. Ananthan remarked that while the athletes performed admirably in their efforts to achieve the three-gold target, technical issues encountered in several categories hindered their goal.

Ananthan highlighted that a crucial gold medal opportunity slipped away in the men's individual kumite U-67 kilogrammes (kg) event. Despite the bout ending in a draw on points, the judges' decision favored the opponent, resulting in the Malaysian athlete's elimination in the second round. He expressed that advancing past that stage could have significantly increased their chances of securing the gold.

The two gold medals for Malaysia's karate contingent were achieved by C. Shahmalarani in the women's individual kumite U-50kg and Thevendran Kaliana Sundram in the men's individual kumite U-55kg. In the previous 2023 edition in Cambodia, Malaysia had brought home four golds, two silvers, and four bronzes.

Ananthan shared that a comprehensive post-mortem involving all relevant parties will be conducted to evaluate performances and devise new strategies, particularly in preparation for the 2026 Asian Games. He also mentioned plans to appoint specialized coaches for the athletes, with decisions to be made following the post-mortem session.