04-05-2025
Karateka achieve podium positions at WUKF nationals
The New World Shotokan (NWS) Benoni dojo siblings Refiloe and Bokang Doro overcame nerves to win Gauteng silver and bronze medals, respectively, during the WUKF SA national championships in Gqeberha from April 3 to 6.
The event, which incorporated the Afro-Asia Open, attracted over 800 competitors who were vying for a spot in the team that will represent the country at the 13th WUKF World Championships in Sweden next year.
Refiloe competed in the girls' 14 to 15 third kyu kata against 20 girls.
After a valiant effort in three rounds, she finished in second place with 45.9 points, a fraction behind the champion, Roxy Postma of Goshukan Karate SA, who won with 46 points.
She opened her account with 18.4 points in the elimination round, which was the third-highest score in the round. In the semi-finals, she scored 21.4 points and ended her run with a perfect 24.4 points in the final round, missing the gold by 0.1, after Postma scored 24.5 to take the gold.
The karateka expressed gratitude to her instructors, senseis John Barnett and Janien Potgieter, and her parents for their support.
'I wouldn't have been able to make it through every round without the help of senseis John, Janien and my parents. With their help, I was able to do exceptionally well in my katas,' she said.
Bokang, meanwhile, finished third in the Shobu Sanbon third kyu 14 to 15 years 55kg kumite.
She said she went through a wave of emotions competing in her first national championships.
'It was an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. There were many talented athletes and it was my first time competing at that level.'
The karateka beat El-Jani Greyling 5-1 in the round of 16 before dominating Alayka Francis 3-0 in the last eight. But the wheels came off in the semis when Postma defeated her 5-0.
She consoled herself with a 2-1 beating of Aria Francis in the third-place play-off to secure the bronze.
'I was exhausted in the final round but I told myself that I had made it this far so I had to give it my all. I ended up in third place and it was amazing.
'All my hard work, early mornings and late nights paid off. It felt incredible to stand on the podium knowing I had earned that medal,' she said.
Barnett, the NWS chief instructor, said they are proud of the karateka.
Also Read: Three NWS karateka to represent Gauteng at nationals
Also Read: Potgieter collects top award at NWS karate prize-giving
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