Golden smiles for team KZN
The Tongaat Sports Centre was packed to capacity with spectators and young karatekas from across South Africa.
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Fists were flying in Tongaat over the weekend as the Karate South Africa (KSA) national youth championship came to town.
The Tongaat Sports Centre was packed to capacity with spectators and young karatekas from across South Africa.
“I am absolutely delighted at the huge turnout of our karate youth from throughout the country,” said a very excited President of KSA, Sonny Pillay Hanshi.
“Moreover, the high standard of karate on display by the participants throughout the weekend certainly augurs well for the future of KSA.”
KZN, Gauteng and Western Cape once again dominated the proceedings. Athletes who shone brightly at the event included Gauteng’s Duncan twins – Jaden and Jonathan – and Miranda Roetz.
Meanwhile team KZN also excelled, with Hemal Heeralal, Shravan Ishwarlal, Yushir Gunpath, Hannah Jermiah, Zayan Ghoor and Amy Harding all taking away gold medals.
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Tournament director Leo Cuitto was over the moon with the smooth execution of the event.
Once again KSA president Hanshi Pillay cautioned parents who wish to engage children in karate practice to first check with the KSA HQ prior to enrolling them in local karate clubs as it is imperative that instructor’s qualifications are carefully scrutinised as there are several “bogus” karate teachers misleading the karate loving public.
The success of the nationals augurs well for the forthcoming league events and more importantly the Arnold Classic Sports Festival at the Sandton Convention Centre in May.
For all karate enquiries call the KSA Technical convenor 0825524638 /0823029504.
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