Tongaat’s karate superstar Khusal Varma is aiming high on the 2026 international tournament circuit.
The Protea champion, who has made numerous podium finishes around the country, will soon head to the UAE to compete in the WKF Series A championships.
Khusal was born in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and relocated to Tongaat in 2013. He began his schooling at Maidstone Primary School before moving to Seatides Combined School, where he is currently in Grade 9. His parents say he showed an interest in karate from a very young age and began lessons at four. This year marks his eleventh year practising the discipline.
Khusal, a first Dan black belt, trains regularly during the week at the SKISA Dojo based at the Tongaat Sports Centre, run by Sensei Nicolas Links. At weekends, the passionate karateka commutes between Ballito and Umhlanga to attend specialised coaching seminars under his mentor, seasoned Protea coach Brando Renshi.
“Khusal is a natural talent who is destined to reach great heights in the international tournament arena of the world, no doubt, and I thoroughly enjoy sharing my coaching skills with him, especially given his sound work ethic,” said Renshi.
Khusal said: “Competing in an international competition is a huge milestone in my journey. It represents the hard work and dedication I have put in over the years. I aim to perform at my best and proudly represent my country on the global stage.”
His proud mother, Mandy Varma, who ensures he misses no training by driving him to often distant venues, expressed her delight. “Khusal eats, sleeps and drinks karate. Moreover, his passion is remarkable, to say the least, hence my full support for whatever it takes for my son to reach the top of the world in his sport, karate. Khusal has indeed made our family and the local Tongaat community very proud,” she said.
Karate legend Sonny Pillay Hanshi, current president of Karate South Africa (KSA), also paid tribute. “Khusal is a role model for today’s aspiring champions aiming for the global stage. Importantly, he always exhibits sound mannerisms that stand him in good stead as he competes,” said Pillay Hanshi.
Khusal added: “My advice to other karatekas is to stay committed, work consistently and never stop learning. A special thanks to my senseis for their continuous guidance and support.”
This weekend, Khusal will join elite athletes at a coaching seminar conducted by the KSA Coaching Commission in Bloemfontein in preparation for the forthcoming UAE championships
