SA’s Kung Fu youth squad shines
THE South African Youth Development Kung Fu Squad has arrived back home with seven medals after taking part in the Hong Kong International Kung Fu Tournament in Ma On Shan, China.
Their coach, Muhammad MJ Li Chafeker, has hailed their success, saying the team made history.
The team of 18 male and female athletes ranging from 10 to 17 years old, were the first ever South African youth team to compete in the competition. About 9 000 athletes from about 52 countries around the world, participated in the tournament.
Chafeker, who led the squad, had trained and assisted them with fund raising for the championships.
Their competition placements included gold in the kids’ beginners division, and several silver and bronze medals in various categories in the teenage beginners’ division.
“Congratulations to my team, I’m proud of them and my entire squad. The first ever Youth Development Squad from South Africa to compete in Hong Kong. My one year of working with youth across the province teaching Kung Fu for free is paying dividends,”said Chafeker.
Chafeker also competed in the Professional Athletes Tai Chi Division, and won the gold medal in a division that comprised highly skilled and ranked Asian and South-east Asian athletes.
“For winning gold, I give all praise to the most high,” he said.
Fourteen-year-old Luqmaan Slarmie won bronze in the teenage beginners’ division.
His proud father Nawawie Slarmie said: “This is an awesome achievement by the MJ Li South African Youth Development Squad. Luqmaan is also the first in our family to take part in an international sports event, and first to get an international podium. We are so proud.”
Chafeker’s son, 10-year-old Saifullah, who won gold in his beginners’ division, was the only disabled junior athlete to compete at the tournament against able-bodied athletes.
“This is a remarkable achievement,” Chafeker said.