An absolutely outstanding performance was achieved by four young karateka from the Ninfu Karate Dojo in Merebank, who competed at the 11th Commonwealth Karate Championship held recently in Durban.
Karateka from over 22 countries competed, and it was a wonderful opportunity for the students to rub shoulders with some of the world’s best karateka.
The youngest member, Neraav Sewnarain, fought exceptionally well, losing a closely fought battle with his overseas opponent 8-11. He also just missed out on a medal when he lost the bronze medal match for kata. He had a great experience seeing international athletes and is looking forward to the next event.
The star, Nataniah Naidu, claimed her second international bronze medal for the year after the bronze she won at the All-Africa Karate Champs. She also reached the quarter-finals of kata before being narrowly defeated by her more experienced Sri Lankan opponent. Nataniah is becoming a seasoned athlete with all the touring she does for karate. She is very popular and has a bright future ahead of her.
Her brother, Rylee Naidu, who is in one of the most competitive divisions, went up against the Australian world champion for kata in his division, narrowly losing out in the third round. It was an excellent performance, and he only lost by 1.2 points, which is very close. He made it up in the kumite by reaching the semifinals and earning his bronze medal. He defeated his opponent 11-4. In the semi-finals, he lost to the SA champion, who went on to win the division. He is truly making a name for himself in this division, and his instructor is confident that he will excel in this division next year.
Railyn Pillay became the first Ninfu karateka in the dojo’s 50-year history to win a gold medal at an international event, winning his tightly contested boys’ 10/11 years under 35kg kumite division. It was an outstanding performance from the young star, and one that made his dad and chief instructor of Ninfu Karatedo, Shihan Craig Kisten Pillay, extremely happy.
Pillay said: “It was a proud moment for me as he is the grandson of our founder, Shihan DK Pillay, and he told me after he won that he did it for his grandad. He has outdone his brother Yarshan, who won our first international medal when he won the bronze at the Chennai International Championship in 2020. Railyn reached the second round of kata before losing to his opponent. He looks like he will excel next year after getting a taste of competition at this level.”
