KUALA LUMPUR, January 2008 – MCM journalist ring up our Karate National Champions, Vasantha, Yamini, Yoke Wai and Puvaneswaran for a chat. The FANTASTIC 4 gives an insight to their personal lives and share the secrets to sucess. Here is the first out of four.


Vasantha in the middle.

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Vasantha was the first in line to receive our call. Her full name is Vasantha Maria Anthony; aged 30 grew up and live in Kuala Lumpur. Her category is below 48 kg kumite. The first question we asked her was what her recent achievements are and the answer was amazing. Because there were so many to catch up over the phone, I really couldn’t cope with her reply to my questions because the answer was quite of a long list! And so, I asked her to shortened that to the most recent only. Even with that, this should cause many eyes turning green! And not to mention, many faces turned red in the same time.

1.Bronze - KORAT SEA Games, Thailand 2007.
2.Gold - Bulgaria Karate World Cup 2007.
3.Silver – Istanbul Open 2007.
4. Gold – AKF (Asia Karate Federation) Championship 2007 in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan.
5.Silver - for the Team category AKF Championship 2007.
6. Silver - DOHA Asian Games, QATAR 2006.
7.Gold - AKF Championship 2003 in MACAU.

What was her best achievement? She was ranked world no. 5!

We asked her what her secret to her successes was. It was desires, passions for sport and hard work.
She also added that bruises and pains is the sign of success. Besides than that, her love for Karate and sport and being grateful for her coach’s guidance and supports does contribute to her success too.

As a kid during her early years, Vasantha loves active sport and aggressive games. And perhaps that helped to positioned her to where she is today .She found Karate at that time and started with her coach, P. Arivalagan. And the journey to success began from there.

For her, the coach is always caring. He is more than a coach. He is a friend, a family member, a guru and a boss who loves Karate and loves to help people around. Vasantha added, “If not, I will not be who I am now”. Touching line indeed! Her description of her coach – likes to motivate, commands strong speech and does exactly what he says. A genuine trainer who guided his students the way he went through.

Her second “home” – Persatuan Karate Hayashi Ha Kuala Lumpur. It is a place where she gains more support and encouragements. Vasantha reckoned that, it was because of the association, she gained recognitions during the MACAU games. She puts it that her club was her stepping stone to the National arena. There were many branches around KL and Vasantha herself teaches in schools and their main centres in Jalan Ipoh, KL. Who does she teaches? – Adults and kids both on every Fridays and Sundays. Vasantha proudly announced that she sees many potential instructors and national players in coming of age … at her club.
An important question would be who she would like to thank - It was her master. “If not, nobody would recognize me “she says in a grateful voice. Her association, MAKAF or the Malaysia Karate Federation and their officials, SOKE (GrandMaster) Clement Soo, Mr. Ponniyah – President of Hayashi Ha Karate, family membes, friends and her team mates. All well wishes to them.

Vasantha loves action packed butt- kicking movies. Among her favorites actors were like Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee and Jet Li. And then, I asked her what is her favorite stance or moves and her answer was the “Jordan Kick”. What does that means? I was quizzed as I do not understand.

“A KICK TO THE FACE!” ….. was the reply. I turned silent and awed. I could hear her giggling at the other end.

Well, she does have other hobbies and she likes reading books, listens to songs and dancing. We thought these are much more the milder part of her life. Anyway, Vasantha hopes that she could continues as an athlete, to upgrade to a coach’s level and to teach in government and International schools alike.

She has some words for the kids and juniors in Karate as we round up the interview. Her advice to them was to be patient and love for karate is a must. To work hard is the key for success. Keep all these up and you shall achieve your dreams.

“IF YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE SOMETHING, YOU MUST DO WHAT YOU LOVE AND LOVE WHAT YOU DO”
-Vasantha Maria Anthony.


On our next article, we will have Puvaneswaran. So, please keep visiting MCM.

By Firewheel @ MCM