KwaDukuza karateka Arya Hooblal secured two gold medals at the provincial karate championships earlier this month.

Arya (16), who practices Shotokan Karate, won gold medals in both the Kata and Kumite categories in the girls’ 16-17 age group at the event, hosted in Chatsworth on March 1.

Her victories earned her provincial colours, and the Grade 10 Curro Salt Rock pupil will now represent KZN at the national championships in Port Elizabeth in April.

“I’m really proud; I didn’t expect to make the team,” said Arya.

“I’ve been to the national tournament before and this time I’m really focused on being strong in the competition.”

Arya has been practicing martial arts for 12 years and also enjoys ball sports and athletics, winning many awards to go with her karate medal haul.

She was named Sportsgirl of the Year at Darnall Primary School for her achievements in cricket and cross-country and also claimed the senior Victrix Ludorum award for athletics.

“My cousin Sherwin (Hooblal) has trained me since I was four years old. In that time, I won nine gold medals, a few silvers and one bronze,” she said.

Arya aspires to represent South Africa on an international level, but first, she must place in the top three at both provincial and national levels.

“That’s my dream right now,” she said. “I would like to thank my parents, fellow karate friends, and Sensei Sherwin for their support.”

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