POLOKWANE – Rahul van Manen, representing the Sello Maduma Fencing Academy in Polokwane and the Limpopo Fencing Association, achieved a remarkable feat at the fencing national championships held in August.
He secured gold in both the u/20 men’s epee and foil categories, crowning him the double junior national champion for 2024/25.
In addition, Rahul earned a bronze medal in the senior men’s epee and a team silver in the same event, bringing his total medal count to four at the championship – a testament to his outstanding talent and dedication.
This event marked the end of Rahul’s u/20 fencing career, as he will transition to the senior category in the upcoming season. He concluded his junior years with a number one national ranking in both foil and epee, a distinction he also held at the end of his u/17 career.
Rahul’s fencing journey has been marked by consistency and success.
Since 2019, he has won medals in every competition he entered, and he made the national u/20 team for every international event in foil and epee during this time. His international achievements include a bronze medal at the junior African championships in Algeria at just 14 years old.
In 2022 and 2023, he qualified for the senior national team for the African championships, earning a team bronze in 2023 as the youngest member of the squad.
Rahul’s provincial dominance is equally impressive. Since 2021, he has been the undefeated provincial champion in both senior men’s epee and u/20 epee and foil.
In 2024, he added five international medals to his growing collection, making him the most decorated fencer in Limpopo.
Yasmine Mahomed, a long-standing executive committee member of the Limpopo Fencing Association, praised Rahul’s character, noting that he is widely regarded as a gentleman on and off the piste, displaying exemplary sportsmanship.
Renuka Ramroop, the chairperson of the Limpopo Fencing Association, expressed the association’s pride in Rahul’s achievements.
“We all applaud Rahul and thank him for flying the Limpopo Fencing Association and Sello Maduma Fencing Academy flags so high. Thanks to all the coaches, Wally Goosen, Andrew Howitt, Sello Maduma, and Joseph Maluleke, who contributed to his success. We look forward to his senior career and wish him all the best.”
