LABUAN: Prominent Malaysian karate athlete and national medallist Syarulniza Abdul Jamil delivered another commendable performance on the international stage by winning a bronze medal at the Russian Open Championship 2026 in Sochi, Russia, held from July 21 to 26.
The Labuan-born athlete, who is also a certified Asia Karate Federation (AKF) Kumite coach, secured the podium finish in the Senior Women’s Individual Kumite Under-61kg category at the championship, which attracted more than 800 athletes from 18 countries.
Labuan Karate Association President Aswadi Taba described Syarulniza’s achievement as a proud moment not only for Labuan but also for Malaysian karate.
“This success reflects Syarulniza’s dedication, discipline and perseverance, as well as the quality of talent that Labuan continues to produce despite limited resources.
“It also proves that our athletes have the ability to compete with the best in the world when given the opportunity and proper exposure,” he told Bernama Monday.
Aswadi said the association hoped Syarulniza’s success would inspire more young people in Labuan to take up karate and pursue excellence at the national and international levels.
Syarulniza, making her second appearance at the prestigious championship, clinched the bronze medal after edging Tsysova Anastasia Viktorovna of the Moscow Region, Russia, 5-5 in the bronze medal playoff, with victory awarded on senshu after scoring the first point of the bout.
Earlier, she defeated Khatnyuk Victoria Alekseevna of the Krasnodar Region in the opening round before narrowly losing 6-7 to Chizjokova Darya Alexandrovna of the Oryol Region in the quarter-finals.
She bounced back strongly in the repechage to earn a place on the podium.
The gold medal was won by Brankica Negovanovic of Serbia’s Karate Klub Sampioni, while Chizjokova took silver. The other bronze medal went to Sadikova Aigul Azatovna of the Republic of Bashkortostan, Russia.