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IN order to focus on the Olympic qualifiers in Paris this June, Kuala Lumpur SEA Games karate gold medallist, M. Mathivani, made a bold decision to quit her full-time job as a teacher.
“It was a leap of faith,” said the 30-year-old, who taught science and maths at the Beaconhouse Newlands International School in Cheras.
Mathivani, who bagged a silver medal at the 2019 Sea Games in the Philippines, found it difficult to focus on her career and training at the same time.
“I used to manage my time pretty well for work and training but since then, the hours for both started clashing. I don’t want to be selfish and be absent from work because of my training.
“After much deliberation and prayer, I chose karate because It has always been my dream to qualify for the Olympics. It was a hard choice, but success takes sacrifice. Financially, it won’t be easy but I believe it is worth it.
“Quitting my job gives me an opportunity to focus. Naturally, I will miss my students and I will miss teaching but I have to put my emotions aside in order to make this work.”
Mathivani, who speaks fluent Mandarin, recovered from appendicitis last October.
“My health has improved, and I am going all out for the qualifiers. I know it requires a lot of sacrifices ─ my time, my social life, and definitely, my sweat ─ and I am going to give my best to make it to the Olympics.
“I started karate at the age of seven as it was a place to meet my friends. By the time I was 14, I began to take it seriously by spending hours on end to perfect my skills.
Besides karate, the girl from Selayang enjoys reading novels and listening to music.
“It’s my way of dealing with stress and to right myself when the need arises.”
Mathivani said that karate has helped with her teaching career as it builds character and sharpens the mind.
On her Olympics aspirations, she said, “Considering my age, I think this my one opportunity to qualify for the Olympics and I would love to share my knowledge and experience with the other exponents.
“I really hope that I can qualify for the Olympics as that would be a story unto itself that I could relate to future generations.
When asked about her future plans, Mathivani said she will let God decide.
‘I would love to help and inspire people as it gives me such joy to do just that,” she said.
Mathivani, who will be competing in the women’s under 61kg category, needs to finish in the top three at the qualifiers to make it to the Olympics.
“The likes of Giana Lotfy of Egypt and Yin Xiaoyan of China may be the favourites in Paris but I will definitely be more than just a thorn in their side, and more than their equal,” said Mathivani.
For certain, every Malaysian will be in her corner, hoping that she succeeds in her goal. ─ The Vibes, March 1, 2021
