Taariq Fakroodeen turns world kick-boxing champ

Taariq Fakroodeen took over the kick-boxing world when he became world champion at the World Kick-Boxing Championships held in Orlando, USA.

Taariq who attends Auckland Park Academy of Excellence (Apax), started kickboxing in 2012, said that it was a dream of his to become world champion. He said that he knew he was going to win. “I had the spirit of it and so I achieved it,” said 13-year-old Taariq.

The Grade 8 pupil achieved two gold medals, two silvers, and one bronze medal, which made him the overall winner of the championship. “He flew the South African flag high,” said Apax principal, Nadia Motara.

In 2013, Taariq represented South Africa in Italy at the World Championships and has since traveled nationally making a name for himself.

Motara said that Taariq has always been an athletic child and he is really great at soccer. “He has been selected to play for the national under 13 soccer team,” she said proudly. She added that it is an honour to have him at the school and that the school will do their best to assist him in his future goals.

Taariq said his goal is to go to the next Olympic Games in 2020 and come back with a medal.

Taariq said that he enjoyed his time in Orlando, especially when he went to Disney Land and Island of Adventures. “I like travelling, seeing and discovering new things is always nice. Italy was my favourite because of the history,” he said. He said he receives a lot of support from his parents and they are very proud and excited about his achievements.

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