Karateka head off to Portugal
Four local karate students will compete in the FUSI World University Karate Championship this week.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2016/08/32lmkarate_26342.jpg)
FOUR SKISA athletes have been selected to represent University Sport South Africa at the 10th FISU World University Karate Championship in Braga, Portugal, from 10 to 13 August.
Theo Pillay (individual male +84kg and male team kumite), Riasha Singh (individual female -50kg and female team kumite), Shriya Misra (team kumite) and Yashveer Jugoo (team kumite) will form part of a 15-member South African team.
Riasha Singh is a chemical engineering student at UKZN and recently demolished all opposition at the Karate South Africa (KSA) SA Open and Elite Championship. She is also the current National All Styles Kumite Champion and has set her sights on a title at the event. Theo Pillay qualified at the USSA trials in Potchefstroom and claimed the number one spot to represent South Africa at the event.
All athletes are members of their respective university karate clubs and have trained around the clock under the watchful eye of Sensei Brando Pillay, Protea Karate Head Coach. He expressed his excitement and pride as four of his students made the team competing in Portugal. “I wish our SKISA athletes all the best and believe that they will make our country proud,” said Brando.