IT was a day of fine margins and disciplined performances as five young karate students turned months of preparation into a strong medal-winning display at a recent karate tournament held at the Tongaat Indoor Sports centre.

Also read: Merebank karate warriors roar at Commonwealth Karate Champs

This tournament serves as a provincial ranking event with athletes affiliated to Martial Arts South Africa (MASA) and the World Union of Karate-Do Federations South Africa (WUKF SA).

It enables karate students to earn ranking points which contributes to their selection for the provincial and national teams that will be participating in national and international events.

The group of karatekas who trains at Tray Bang Hall in Montclair, received silver, bronze and gold medals in both kumite and kata categories.

Mabutho Ndabezitha was the standout performer with two gold medals, followed by Naledi Nthedi, who collected two silver medals.

Also read: Karate master scoops international lifetime award

Kayden Kanotunga finished with two bronze medals while Ayabongamadange Mahaye and Kushad Dasrath contributed a bronze medal each.

Sensei Sash Bagwandeen said the students competed in a fierce tournament which attracted families and members of the community.

“Their performance and mental agility is truly amazing. Other students come from as far as Umlazi,” he said.

The participating students will now take part in the grading competition where they will compete with senior karaketas.

The tournament serves an important taste of development, offering valuable experience and an opportunity to measure progress against some of the best young karate students.

For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.