SELANGOR junior judo exponent Surekhalavanya Mohan has proven that she is not terrified of taking on the boys in her age group.

The 10-year-old said she was comfortable competing against boys.

“I am not afraid of the boys as I have been training with them. I am always looking for a stiffer challenge against a tougher opponent,” she added.

Girl power: Surekhalavanya (left) throwing off her brother Yugendran during a sparring session.

Although she settled for second best in the combined Under-10 (below 53kg) comprising four exponents at the recent Selangor Junior Championships, the SK Convent, Kajang pupil was voted as the Most Promising Girl Judoka.

In the opening bout of the round robin competition, she went down to the eventual winner R. Raja of SRJK (T) Kajang.

“It was an even contest and I tried to put a fight against him. But, he caught me by surprise when he floored me with a sudden sweep,” Surekhalavanya said.

Last year, she edged her elder brother Yugendran Mohan to pick up a bronze medal in the combined Under-Nine (below 46kg) category at the Selangor junior meet.

Surekhalavanya took up judo along with 11-year-old Yugendran by chance more than two years ago.

Her mother, Thanga Devi, said she wanted her children to explore a different form of martial art as part of their physical pursuit.

“We lived near the Selangor Judo Association’s training centre in Bandar Teknologi Kajang. The children were curious about having a go at it when they noticed the place because they do not offer judo in school.

“We felt that it was safer for them to pursue judo because they can reduce the exposure of getting hurt under a controlled environment.

“They do not inflict injuries by punching and kicking. Besides learning it for self-defence, it also offers them the opportunity to excel and showcase their potential,” added Thanga Devi.

Currently, Surekhalavanya goes through the paces twice a week under the charge of Johnathan Wong to polish her combative skills such as breakfall techniques, competitive throws and ground work.

“I enjoy the group sessions and the company of my training buddies at the centre.

“I am striving for improvement. Next year, I am aiming to do better and secure a gold medal at the Selangor junior competition,” said Surekhalavanya, adding that her favourite move is the major outer reap throw.

Selangor Judo Association coach Wong Joon Meng praised the emerging talent for showing up regularly for training.

“She has been showing her willingness to learn. Although she has proven her abilities in the state junior tournament, it will be too early to predict on how far she will progress.

“Her recent achievement is only a stepping stone for her to advance. It takes between four and five years to nurture and develop an accomplished junior exponent.

“We are hoping that she will make the grade to represent Selangor at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) in the future,” said the former national champion Joon Meng.

Having a brother who learns the art, is also an advantage as she could execute the drills to perfect her skills against her brother at home.

“Besides the proper training at the gym, we have drawn up easy programmes for them to follow at home.

“They need to perform the drills on their own to improve on their co-ordination, endurance, flexibility, speed and strength,” Joon Meng added.

FACT FILE

Name: Surekhalavanya Mohan

Date of Birth: 17 April 1999

Ht: 1.47m Wt: 46kg

School: SK Convent, Kajang (Year Four)

Hobbies: Badminton, football

Ambition: Astronaut

Favourite Sports Personality: Nicol Ann David

Coach: Johnathan Wong

Achievements

2008

- Selangor Junior combined Under-Nine (below 46kg) third

2009

- Selangor Junior combined Under-10 (below 53kg) second

- Selangor Junior Most Promising Girl Judoka