National kata exponent Mohamad Haznil Henry ensured Malaysia did not return empty-handed from the 22nd Asian Senior Karate Championship 2026, capturing a hard-fought bronze medal in the highly competitive Male Kata category.

Competing against the continent’s elite martial artists at the prestigious regional tournament in Bali, Indonesia, Haznil’s standout performance on the mat provided a crucial podium finish for the national contingent.

The Sole Malaysian Medallist

Haznil’s podium achievement carries immense significance for the Malaysian camp, as he emerged as the country’s only medallist across the entire multi-day championship. 

Standing tall among Asia’s finest, his routine in the technical and precise discipline of kata caught the judges’ eyes, securing his spot on the international podium.

The gold medal in the Male Kata event was clinched by Japan’s formidable champion, Nishiyama Kakeru. Meanwhile, the silver medal went to Kuwait’s Sayed Salman Almosaoui, leaving Haznil to round up the top three with a stellar third-place finish.

A Solid Foundation for the Future

While the national squad faced a challenging outing in Bali, Haznil’s solitary bronze medal highlights his growing maturity and composure on the big stage. 

Navigating through intense pressure to deliver a medal-winning performance reinforces his status as a key asset for Malaysian karate moving forward.

With major international fixtures on the horizon, Haznil’s success in Indonesia serves as both a personal milestone and a vital spark for the national karate program as they look to build, refine, and bounce back stronger in upcoming world-class tournaments.