Pillay in SA first for world body

KARATE legend Hanshi Sonny Pillay’s CV reads like an honours list – and he picked up one more credit in Croatia at the weekend when he was appointed a member of the World Karate Federation technical commission.

The 8th Dan karate master, pictured, was attending the World Youth Championships when he received a letter from WKF president Antonio Espinos. Pillay is the first and only South African to be accorded this honour.

As word of Pillay’s appointment traversed the social media network, messages of congratulations from around the world came flooding in.

One South African wrote: “I would like to congratulate you on your new position. You have taken our legacy to a whole new level.”

Hanshi Rajaguru from India posted: “Dear Brother Hanshiji, Your hard work ... making you success more and more in your life. Congrats for your selection in WKF Tech. Commission.”

Speaking to POST shortly before his departure from Croatia on Monday night, Pillay said he regarded his appointment as a great honour.

“WFK is the official custodian of karate worldwide, with 198 countries affiliated to it. The focus is now on sharpening the youth for the Youth Olympics in Argentina (2018) and the big one, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

“Hence the overhaul of the various commissions. My role will be to work with 12 other members from around the world to bring the sport in line with international standards.

“It will certainly have an impact on my already hectic schedule as I will be expected to travel around the world for regular meetings and karate tournaments.”

Pillay, who will celebrate 50 years of involvement in the sport this year, said he was up to the challenge.

“At 66 I still have the energy and will to succeed in this new portfolio. I regard this appointment as a feather in my cap on a journey that started in 1968. I believe this will have a positive impact on my leadership as Karate South Africa president as I will be more in touch with the global revolution the sport is undergoing.”

Pillay’s next task will be to officiate at the Premier League and World Cup that will take place in Spain in October.

Pillay was a member of the South African karate team that fought England in 1976. He has received commendations from a number of countries and federations for his contribution to the sport.