KUALA LUMPUR: School teacher M. Mathivani has achieved her dream of becoming a SEA Games gold medallist, but the journey has not ended for her.
The 26-year-old, who teaches mathematics and science at the Beaconhouse Newlands International School in Cheras, plans to earn a place in next year’s Jakarta Asian Games squad.
Her appetite whetted after the SEA Games triumph, Mathivani is not just eyeing the Asiad. She’s got her mind set on representing the country at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where karate will be making its debut.
Mathivani contributed the winning point for Malaysia to beat Vietnam 2-1 to claim the women’s team kumite gold at the KL SEA Games in August.
“To deliver the winning point to beat a strong team like Vietnam on my SEA Games debut is something I’ll cherish for a long time,” said Mathivani.
“I’m glad my sacrifices paid off. I had to make a lot of adjustments to train and compete in the SEA Games in terms of my teaching hours.
“I usually start training at 6.30am and head to school by 11am before continuing training in the afternoon until 7.30pm.
“It was not easy but my school principal Nicki Coombs was supportive and encouraged me to pursue my dream to make the country proud at the SEA Games.
“I felt bad about leaving my students but the parents were supportive and that was what encouraged me to achieve success,” she said.
Mathivani, who speaks fluent Mandarin, also got a bronze in women’s kumite below 68kg category at the KL SEA Games.
“Karate has been a passion of mine since I took it up more than 10 years ago.
“I hope that what I have achieved in sports will be good motivation to the kids in my class.
“I’m not stopping at the SEA Games because I want to do well in more prestigious tournaments after this.
“I hope I get selected for the Asian Games. If I can do well at the Asiad, it will give me the confidence to try for the Tokyo Olympics.
“The qualifying process is tough as only the top 10 will make it, but I’m willing to give it a shot,” she added.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/other-sport/2017/11/24/teacher-mathivani-hungry-for-more-after-sea-games-gold#JHCgEIzkawuxhWbs.99
