Tinley Manor brothers Xander and Joshua Links fought their way to an impressive seven combined medals at the national karate championships last month.

The Links’ were among more than 700 athletes who competed at Proclamation Hills in Pretoria on February 27 and 28.

Xander claimed silver medals in the senior kumite, senior team kata and senior open kumite divisions. Competing at the U21 level, Joshua added a gold in the kata kumite and bronze in the kumite and open kumite categories. He also earned a senior team kata silver alongside his older brother.

Both brothers are second-degree black belts (Ni-Dan) and members of the national karate team.

Off the tatami, Xander recently graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal with a Bachelor’s degree in computer science. Meanwhile, Joshua was named KZN karate’s sportsman of the year last year.

The brothers credit their success to the support of their father, sensei Nicolas Links, their mother, Vivashne Reddy, and the mentorship of senior instructors Brando Pillay and Njabulo Khumalo.

They now turn their attention to upcoming continental and international championships where they will represent South Africa.

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.