Zululand Observer - Weekender

Versatile Rudhra is on the move

- Richard Springorum

RUDHRA Poorun is a dynamic 12-year-old who excels in both academics and sport.

He boasts South African colours in taekwondo, proving that dynamite comes in small packages.

The Grade 6 pupil at St Catherine’s School has had a quiet year on the sporting front owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, but has managed to maintain a top five spot in his grade.

The versatile youngster represents his school’s teams in swimming, rugby, hockey and athletics, and is a member of the Fish Eagles Swimming Club, Master West Combat Taekwondo Club, Scorpions Kickboxing Club and the Richards Bay Eagles Wrestling Club. Rudhra has a cabinet full of trophies he earned at provincial, national and internatio­nal martial arts tournament­s over the years.

The lethal young gun has competed at the US Open World Martial Arts Championsh­ips in Orlando, Florida, the Master West tournament and Destiny tournament in Johannesbu­rg, from where he returned home with silverware in the kata, creative form and weapons sections.

He also placed eighth at the Johnny Reds Big 5 wrestling competitio­n and placed second at the Amajuba wrestling tournament.

This year he competed in the World Online Karate Championsh­ips, in which karatekas of 39 countries participat­ed. He had to video and submit his kata for judging.

His achievemen­ts have not come without hard work. Rudhra trains five times a week for an hour per session.

‘I would love to be headboy next year, top my grade and win the Victor Ludorum at the schools inter-house gala,’ said Rudhra.

He will join his brother Aaryan at Grantleigh in 2022 when he starts his high school career.

 ?? Photo: Richard Springorum ?? Rudhra Poorun
Photo: Richard Springorum Rudhra Poorun

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