Kiara has eye on Olympics
KEEP your head small and your dreams big, says local karate dynamo Kiara Lakaram, who has achieved big things in a short time.
The young Durbanite not only studies business science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, but recently captained University Sports South Africa (USSA) at the 11th Fisu World University Karate Championships in Kobe, Japan. She was the only karateka selected from the province.
The second Dan black belt star from the Shotokan Karate International South Africa federation said her father, Pravesh, had taught her the sport.
“My dad used to teach me at home from a young age. This is where my love for karate started. I officially took it up when I was 7,” said Kiara of Effingham Heights.
Becoming captain was not something she expected, and it took a lot of hard work.
“Climbing the ladder and getting to where I am was a long process. I am a Sempai at my dojo, which is like a junior instructor and one level below a Sensei.
“I also have years of tournament experience and many tours, which stood me in good stead.”
Touching on the world championships, the 18-yearold said she was proud to have represented her country, but was nervous due to the high level of competition.
“I was up against the Czech Republic and had a few butterflies. Other than that it was fun and I met some world champions, while also enjoying bonding time with my colleagues.”
She also divulged her long-term goals: “I am looking forward to competing in the World Karate Federation Commonwealth Games in November right here in sunny Durban, and my aim is to obviously do well at all national and continental championships – but I really wish to compete at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.”
Kiara also had some advice for youngsters looking to get into the sport: “If you have a love for it, stay committed and you will succeed.”
Sonny Pillay Hanshi (eighth Dan), the president of Karate South Africa, vice-president of the Commonwealth Karate Federation and a technical board member of the WKF, said: “Kiara is a young lady with a superb work ethic, and she is always striving to improve.
“She has the potential to reach great heights in tournament karate. Having achieved so much in her young career, the sky is the limit for her.”