JOHOR BARU: After bagging the silver medal at the Deaflympic Games in Brazil last week, V. Yilamaran is now eyeing the gold medal at another international competition.

       The 22-year-old karate athlete said he is now preparing for the Tokyo Deaflympic that is expected to be held in 2025.

       “My next mission is to get a gold medal for Malaysia. I will continue to work hard for it.

       “I spend about two hours almost every day to train with my coach and I will continue to increase the sessions to improve my skills.

       “I hope that I can make the country and my family proud again in the next Deaflympic,” said Yilamaran through an interpreter.

       He said this when met after receiving a grand welcome from the state government and Johor MIC at the Johor Deaf People Association yesterday.

       Yilamaran, who is also studying graphic design at Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan in Pasir Gudang, hopes to inspire other young athletes.

       “I hope others would be inspired to continue working hard in pursuing their passion, especially those with hearing disabilities,” he said.

       Last year, Yilamaran made history when he became the first Malaysian to win a bronze medal at the inaugural World Deaf Karate Championships in Teheran, Iran.

       His coach Chok Kong Yu said Yilamaran is an asset to the national sports team.

       “At such a young age, Yilamaran has already bagged a silver medal.

       “He will only be 25 in the next Deaflympic Games and has great potential to win a gold medal.

       “He is also very hardworking and disciplined.

       “I am confident he can achieve his aim,” he said.

       His mother R. Shanti, 51, said she is proud of her son’s achievements.

       “I do sometimes get worried about him getting injured.

       “However, I will still support him so that he can achieve his dreams,” said the single mother of three children.

       Yilamaran started his training in karate when he was about 10.

       Since then, he has bagged some 20 gold medals from various national and international tournaments.

       State MIC deputy chief Datuk N. Nilaraja said the party will continue to support Yilamaran to pursue his dreams.

       “As a reward for his win, we have decided to grant him RM2,000,” he said.

       Earlier, Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced that the state government will present RM8,000 to Yilamaran for winning the silver medal.