Karate twins take on international champs
TWINS Tahira and Kira Reddy are preparing to head off to the Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation (Skif) World Cup in Indonesia next month.
The 13-year-old Grade 8 pupils at Ashton College both hold black belts.
Encouraged by their parents, who felt it important for them to be able to defend themselves, the twins started their training at the age of 5.
Their mother, Berenise Reddy, is proud of her daughters’ achievements.
“They both received their KZN colours for four years in a row and they achieved their junior Protea colours in 2014. Tahira also made the Protea team last year,” said Reddy.
She added that while she and her husband encouraged the twins’ sporting activities, they also emphasised the need for them to perform well in academics.
“We have always insisted that school work must be completed before karate training and they have always obliged.”
Reddy said that besides being able to defend themselves, her daughters also had the opportunity to meet and make friends from all over the country and abroad.
Kira said: “Through the various karate tournaments, we have had the opportunity to travel to other provinces in South Africa as well as to Zambia and Australia. This has helped turn us into confident individuals.”
Tahira said: “Karate is a challenging sport that has given me many opportunities. Although my sister and I spar with each other, we don’t allow it to get out of hand. Like all twins, we have a very close bond.”
They train under Hanshi Sonny Pillay and Sensei Brando Pillay.
Hanshi Pillay said he believed the twins would make South Africa proud at the world championships.
“They are extremely dedicated to karate and this has paid off with their selection to the national team.”
Both sisters were equally confident of their chances in Indonesia.
“We are aiming to bring back the gold,” they said in unison.