City girl to represent India at Asian Karate Championship

Syeda Falak already holds 12 international and 15 national honours. But the athlete laments that custodians of the game haven’t accommodated any support staff for her which is crucial for international tournaments

City girl Syeda Falak is adding another jewel to her crown as she will represent India at the 13th AKF Senior Asian Karate Championship in Yokohama, Japan, from September 4-6. Syeda already has 12 international and 15 national honours under her kitty.

She is the first Telanganite to have been qualified and represented India at the World Karate Championship and win the Senior National Karate Championship. Syeda was always keen on karate right from her school days. She represented her school and college in major tournaments and made a name for herself. Her father stands as a pillar of support in all her endavours.

Representing India on the land that gave birth to Karate will be challenging for Syeda. Added to her woes is the lack of support. Though the Karate Association of India selected her to representing the country, the association will be unable to offer her facilities, coach and support team for her international journeys.

“Athletes who are representing the nation should be provided good facilities of international standards including experienced coaches, so that they are ready to face the competition mentally and physically,” Syeda laments. “The training for other international coaches are different.

The advice and experiences of acclaimed coaches comes in handy while approaching a particular team or competitor,” she added. Syeda Falak recently attended a training camp conducted by renowned Kumite coach Antonio Oliva Seba from Spain. Fresh from the camp, Syeda feels confident to etch a name for herself at the championship in Tokyo and bring laurels to the country.