KUALA LUMPUR — The controversial Taman Sri Sinar karate centre in Segambut is facing its final reckoning as Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) prepares to fully demolish the facility within days.
The centre, known as the Hayashi Ha Karate Federation, has decided to relocate its athletes to a new training ground in response to the impending demolition.
Speaking to Scoop, Thennavan Ponniyah, the centre’s owner and chief instructor, confirmed that he has secured a new location 3.6 km away from Segambut.
“We have already begun relocating to our new centre on Jalan Kuching. Currently, we are setting up the dojo mats and addressing all the necessary requirements for our athletes to resume training in the coming days.
“We are renting the space for now and will continue training our athletes for upcoming tournaments,” said Thennavan, a former national exponent with three SEA Games gold medals and seven national championships.
On August 7, DBKL and the Federal Territories Land and Mines Office partially demolished the centre for operating without proper authorisation.
The centre, which had reportedly been in operation for over three decades, drew public attention when a viral video showed a large crowd attempting to prevent the demolition.
Some individuals appealed to Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh for intervention, while young Kelantan karate exponents who were preparing for the recently concluded Sukma questioned where they could train.
The Federal Territories Land Office had previously granted the operator a 30-day grace period to remove their belongings.
The Taman Sri Sinar karate centre, under the Hayashi Ha Karate Federation, has produced several notable athletes, including Thiagu Ponniyah (Asian Junior Karate Championships gold medallist), Datuk Arivalagan Ponniyah (Asian Senior Karate Championships gold medallist), R. Puvaneswaran (two-time Asian Games gold medallist), Yamini Gopalasamy, Vasantha Marial Anthony, and Vathana Gopalasamy (Asian Senior Karate Championship gold medallist). — September 4, 2024