The pair are the first South African team to win silver at the International University Sports Federation (FISU) World University Championship Combat Games. The tournament was held in Brazil this week.

To qualify for the FISU Games, the karatekas dominated the University Sport South Africa (USSA) Tournament held in February, earning gold and a spot in the national squad.

Dhruv Heeralal and Sohail Ramruthan, who returned to South Africa on Tuesday, said they were ecstatic to have earned silver and to have become the first South African team to achieve the feat at the FISU Combat Games, which include karate, jiu-jitsu, muay thai, wrestling, and wushu.

Also read: Karate star excels at nationals

The karatekas shared, “We are both studying two different degrees on two different campuses, so attaining this medal called on a lot of dedication, hard work, and compromise in terms of our schedules for us to make time to practise.”

Congratulating the athletes, Dr Normah Zondo, Executive Director of the Corporate Relations Division, said UKZN said, “For Dhruv and Sohail to become the first South African duo to win a silver medal at the FISU Combat Games is an exceptional achievement. It reflects not only their dedication and talent, but also the spirit of excellence that defines UKZN.”

The two students formed part of the 12-member South African team that competed at the championships.

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