They came, they saw and they conquered.
Kensington teens Miengaah Hendricks and Rania Gamieldien each scored a bronze medal in the Kumite female junior division after competing in the 6th World Goju Ryu Karate Federation (WGKF) in Italy earlier this month.
The WGKF brings together Goju-Ryu practitioners from around the world in a single competition.
It took place from Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 September.
Hendricks and Gamieldien formed part of a team of Goju Ryu practitioners from South Africa that represented the country in Italy.
Due to the pandemic the duo could not participate in any competitions and had to practise virtually.
The teens also formed part of the South African team that represented the country at the 5th WGKF held in Malaysia in 2019.
Tharwa Hendricks, Sensei at Kensington Karate School, says 17 countries competed in the championship of which the South African team was the only group from the African continent.
Overall the South African team finished in fourth place, achieving 10 gold medals, seven silver medals and 19 bronze medals.
Tharwa says she is proud of the girls’ achievement.
“There were a lot of nerves from them. The competition was tough, but I kept on encouraging them and telling them to just do their best. They performed well.”
Tharwa, who qualified as a WGKF referee, says she is happy that she could be a referee on an international stage.
“I was studying while on the aeroplane making sure I know all the rules to the competition. It was nerve-wreaking, but I am glad I was able to represent the country as part of the SA referees. It was a hectic tournament.”
Hendricks says she is happy with their achievement.
“I was nervous. But it was a good experience. We are happy with the medals that we have won and how we did at the championship.”
Gamieldien says: “We had to compete individually, so I could not see how Miengaah was doing and she could not see me. My goal was to give it my best. It was a good experience. It was intimidating but I’m glad we got medals.”
Gamieldien and Hendricks both echoed that their goal now is to get ranked to black belt. They are currently both brown belts contestants.
As soon as the Grade 11 learners hit home soil on Thursday 15 September their minds shifted straight back to the school books as part of their preparations for the September examinations.
Gamieldien says: “We missed out on two weeks of school work so we need to catch up and write exams. We now have to study as our goal is to make it to matric next year.”
Tharwa reiterated the need for people and sponsors to get involved to support sporting codes like karate and many others.
“We have a lot of children from the community that need extra help. This is our dream to get the community involved and to send the children overseas. We have a lot of potential in our area, and it doesn’t come forth because karate is a self-funded sport. So, finance is always an issue.”
Gamieldien thanked everyone who supported them and made their trip to Italy possible.
“It was our first time in Italy. We got to meet the people and got to do some sightseeing. Going to Venice was a highlight too. Thank you to everyone who helped us, especially our families and Sensei and the media who covered our journey.”
