Karatekas set hopes on Portugal

FOUR SKISA athletes have been selected to represent University Sport South Africa at the10th FISU World University Karate Championship 2016 from 10 to 13 August in Braga, Portugal.

Theo Pillay will take part in the Individual Male 84kg and Male Team Kumite, Riasha Singh will compete in the Individual Female 50kg and Female Team Kumite, and Shriya Misra and Yashveer Jugoowill take part in the Team Kumite. They left on 7 August as part of a 15-member South African team from across the country.

Riasha Singh, a UKZN Chemical Engineering student, recently demolished all opposition at the Karate South Africa (KSA) SA Open and Elite championship and is the current National All Styles Kumite champion. She has set her sights on a title at the event.

Theo Pillay qualified at the USSA trials in Potchefstroom claiming the number one spot to represent South Africa at the world event. All athletes are members of their respective university karate club and have trained around the clock under the watchful eye of Sensei Brando Pillay, who recently returned from the World Youth Cup held in Croatia.

The Protea coach expressed his excitement and pride on four of his personal students making the team for Portugal.

“I wish our SKISA athletes all the best and believe that they will make our country proud,” said Pillay.