Nine local athletes set a new record for South Africa at the Hong Kong International Kung Fu Wushu Championships under the leadership of renowned Kung Fu World Martial Arts Champion, M.J.Li.

This amazing global competition is attended by 32 countries and 6 000 professional athletes, and took place this year from April 10 to 14.

M.J.Li, a seasoned champion, led the young team and competed in The Professional Kung Fu and TaiChi Athletes Division in TaiChi, Weapons, and Bare-hand Dual Divisions, managing to win three gold medals.

M.J.Li proudly accepting his three medals

On top of these momentous achievements, South Africa’s top female competitor at the tournament, Salma Natalie Doran, managed to earn herself a gold medal in the ladies division.

For the second year in a row, 11-year-old, Saidullah Chafeker took home gold in the boys under 12 years division as well, although he is differently abled, he managed to compete against able-bodied athletes, claim first place and become a worthy gold medalist once more in 2019.

Salma Natalie Doran standing on the podium

Muhajir Abrahams and Sinawo Yola also won silver in the boys 11-year and 17-year-old categories. The entire team also competed in the team synchronised group event and won the gold medal, achieving another first for the country.

All together the team consisted of M.J.Li, Team Lead and Professional Athlete, Salma Natalie Doran, Ladies Beginner Athlete, Intermediate Athletes, Sinawo Yola, Uzair Apollis, Saifullah Chafeker, Muhajir Abrahams, Luqmaan Slarmie as well as Beginner Athletes, Ghumayd Goolam and Leandre Petersen.

Team training at Kowloon Park, Hong Kong.

While attending the international competition in Hong Kong, M.J.Li was also awarded the prestigious honour of being appointed as the official Global Ambassador for The Hong Kong International Kung Fu Wushu Championships by The Hong Kong Federation and Secretariat as recognition of his long and successful career in Kung Fu.

The whole team will receive an official welcome back by the Honorable MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Minister Anroux Marais on April 23 2019 at the Eagle Hall, Gleemor, Athlone where the squad’s medals, trophy, and M.J.Li’s global ambassador appointment will be on display as well.

Pictures: Facebook/M.J.Li

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