Karate kid brings home bronze
ACHIEVING a podium finish on the world stage is every sportsman’s dream and young Suvarn Govender achieved this at just 11 years old.
He was the only member of the South African squad to win a medal at the Shotokan Karate International Federation’s World Cup held in Jakarta, Indonesia this month.
The Athol Heights Primary School pupil was thrilled with his bronze medal finish at the championships.
“My teammates lifted me on their shoulders after I received my medal,” he said.
“I made sure it was around my neck when I boarded the plane back to South Africa.
“My dad came to the airport and held up a banner saying “Welcome back champ Suvarn”.
Mom Lerissa Govender, who accompanied her son to Jakarta, said although it was not quite the Olympics, she now understood the tears shed by Chad Le Clos’s dad when the swimmer won gold four years ago.
“It’s a mind-blowing moment to watch your son walk on to the podium and receive a medal. I know people will say I’m biased when I say that a questionable refereeing decision in the semi-final robbed him of a silver, or even gold medal. However, even his coach agrees that there was no reason to give a point against him in the semis.”
Suvarn’s coach, Brando Pillay concurs with Govender. “He was unlucky not to go through to the final. However, in sport we need to accept the official’s decision and turn it into a positive the next time around.
“I am extremely proud of young Survarn’s outstanding performance, particularly given that this was his first attempt at the World Championships.
“Moreover, his hard work has paid dividends.
“Full credit must go to his parents, Lerissa and Shaamlin, for their belief in Suvarn’s potential,” said Pillay.
Suvarn has heeded the advice of his coach and said that his performance at the World Championships has inspired him to aim to represent his country at the Olympic Games on day.
Karate South Africa president Hanshi Sonny Pillay said over 50 countries were represented at the Championships and Suvarn’s achievement was exceptional.
“I get very excited when young karatekas win medals on the international stage, as the children of today, such as Suvarn, can aim for the Olympic Games in 2024.”