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Chin-arha clinches medals even despite nervous start

- DANIE VAN DER LITH

IT WAS a day filled with triumph and learning for the young and spirited Chin-arha Bindeman, who made a remarkable debut at the Submission Kings Jiu Jitsu Tournament, securing both silver and bronze medals. Her performanc­e highlighte­d the academy’s commitment to fostering the growth of aspiring athletes.

Chin-arha, a newcomer to the world of Jiu Jitsu, faced her first competitiv­e challenge with unwavering determinat­ion, stepping onto the competitio­n mat with a mix of nerves and excitement.

Speaking to the DFA and reflecting on her experience, she shared, “The competitio­n was good; at first, I was nervous and scared. But my coach spoke to me and calmed me down. He took me to a different part of the competing area to warm up, which helped me relax more.”

Despite encounteri­ng a rollercoas­ter of emotions through five intense fights, including both wins and losses, Chin-arha saw her setbacks as valuable learning experience­s. “During this competitio­n, I learned that I am stronger than I think I am and not to let my emotions get the better of me,” she explained, displaying a maturity beyond her years.

Looking ahead to her next competitio­n on December 2nd and 3rd in Johannesbu­rg, Chin-arha expressed her plans for self-improvemen­t. “For my next competitio­n, I’ll be working on my confidence and believing in myself with a more positive attitude,” she noted,

emphasisin­g her commitment to growth and developmen­t.

Beyond her personal ambitions, Chin-arha hopes to inspire more young girls to embrace Jiu Jitsu. “I hope that more girls will take up Jiu Jitsu because it will teach them a valuable new skill where they will learn to defend themselves and mentally build themselves into stronger young women,” she passionate­ly expressed.

Maintainin­g a balance between education and her passion for sports remains crucial for Chin-arha. “My next competitio­n is again in Johannesbu­rg on the 2nd and 3rd of December,” she revealed, “but I would first want to focus on my school work and ensure I maintain that equilibriu­m.”

Chin-arha Bindeman’s journey continues, showcasing the untapped potential of young talents given the opportunit­y to shine.

 ?? ?? Picture: Danie van der Lith
Picture: Danie van der Lith

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