NEONKUMITE: THE VISUAL VOICE OF DEAF KARATE DEBUTS AT 2ND WORLD DEAF KARATE CHAMPIONSHIP

JOHOR BAHRU, Dec 17 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), through its Sports Innovation & Technology Centre (SITC), has introduced ‘NeonKumite – The Visual Voice’ prototype during the 2nd World Deaf Karate Championship, held from 15-20 December 2024 at Dewan Sri Tebrau, Johor Bahru. This assistive device marks another milestone in making sports more inclusive for the community with hearing impairments.

‘NeonKumite’ innovated on earlier projects by Dr. Jaysuman and his team, who have long worked on assistive sport-tech for deaf athletes. Leaded by Ts. Dr. Jaysuman Pusppanathan and his team, this prototype serves as an assistive visual signaling for referees, juries, and karate athletes during the karate sparring event (“kumite”). By synchronizing color-coded LED lights with the start-stop timer, the device provides clear visual cues for critical moments like stopping, resuming, and highlighting the last 15 seconds of each fight. Its introduction enhances communication, ensuring fairness and clarity in the competition.

This year’s championship features participation from 10 ICSD member countries, with 120 athletes and officials attending. Seventeen referees from the Malaysia Karate Federation (MAKAF) are officiating alongside international referees from Iran and Ukraine. The championship, held under the regulations of the World Karate Federation (WKF) with slight adaptations for deaf athletes, highlights the spirit of inclusivity and competition.

NeonKumite was first presented and demonstrated during the technical karate meeting chaired by Heron Rodigues da Silva, Technical Director for Karate under the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) and Chok Kong Yu, Chief Jury. This session, attended by referees and technical officials, endorsed the use of NeonKumite for the deaf karate championship. The innovation was a result of a successful collaboration between UTM, Malaysia Deaf Sports Association (MSDeaf) and industrial partners Emcee Technologies, Ozel Services.

During the meeting, Heron Rodigues da Silva expressed his appreciation for the effort and innovation behind NeonKumite. “This device exemplifies how technology can enhance inclusivity in sports. It sets a new benchmark for how championships for deaf athletes are conducted,” he remarked. The successful implementation of NeonKumite at this championship paves the way for its adoption in future tournaments worldwide.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & APPRECIATION

Team Members:

1. Ts Dr Jaysuman Pusppanathan (Leader)
2. Dr Aizreena Azaman
3. Dr Izwyn Zulkapri
4. Dr Ruzimi Mohamed
5. Dr Nor Muzakkir Nor Ayob
6. Ir Ts Dr Wong Keng Yinn
7. Mohamad Aiman Afwan Tumiran
8. Ikmal Danish Mohd Azhar
9. Shini Abdullah
10. Khan Akil Hossain

Community & Industrial Members:

1. Malaysia Deaf Sports Association (MSDEAF)
2. Malaysia Karate Federation (MAKAF)
3. Emcee Technologies
4. Ozel Services

Reference post:

 MESYUARAT TEKNIKAL KARATE MEMPERKENALKAN VSD UNTUK KEJOHANAN KARATE PEKAK.

https://www.facebook.com/msdeaf/posts/pfbid0NTPECSW4TYwFR2rUcytj1SRTx8NYCSTWrUnoyCB6dz8MZd4xxLmK1pQwuVagELRpl

Perasmian Majlis Pembukaan Kejohanan Karate Orang Pekak Dunia ke 2

https://www.facebook.com/msdeaf/posts/pfbid0J43uCbvyvmbBoNcjNJNKeajdTRAUvDhQ6kW4q3ExMoggNu8sx6pKQ2Mw7V2HXSvTl

Source: UTM NewsHub