Young karateka shines at international championship
She scooped gold and bronze medals
Liyana Bakiam Pillay.
Image: Supplied
IN AN INSPIRING display of talent and determination, seven year old Liyana Bakiam Pillay emerged victorious at the Gabs Open International Karate Tournament, scooping gold and bronze medals.
The tournament was recently held in Gaborone, Botswana.
Liyana, who resides in Merebank, competed alongside karatekas from South Africa as well as from other African countries, including Botswana, Congo, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Angola.
The Grade 2 pupil at Little Darlings Educare Center, received a gold medal for kata (a choreographed sequence of movements), and bronze for kumite (two competitors face-off performing defensive and offensive techniques in a standing competition).
O’Neal Pillay, her father, said she participated in the seven year old girls category.
“For kata, she went through multiple knockout rounds to achieve gold, and for kumite she fought three knockout rounds where she achieved bronze.”
Pillay said Liyana competed in the trials in Durban, and thereafter advanced to the national trials in Cape Town.
"She also received her KZN Colours and was selected to represent South Africa in Botswana. Our family is proud and astonishingly blessed to have such a talented little champion that has conquered South Africa and the borders of Africa. We would also like to thank the sponsors that helped make this journey for Liyana possible.”
Pillay said he introduced her to karate a few years ago.
“Her older sister also does karate and she loves it. Seeing her sister enjoy it, Liyana also wanted to try it, and she has since excelled. I also found it to be a great sport as it teaches discipline and how to defend yourself.”
Liyana, who has a blue belt and is trained under Shihaan Logan Pillay at Ninfu Shito Ryu karate school, said she enjoyed the sport to the fullest.
“I really love karate as it is exciting. Before I could go for the tournament, I spent a lot of my time training. I am happy to have won both a gold and bronze medal, and made my country proud."
Liyana added that apart from participating in the tournament, she enjoyed exploring a new country.
She said she now hoped to compete in more international competitions.
“I also hope to compete in the Olympics in the future.”