Kung Fu kids skop gat

THE South African Youth Kung Fu team skopped gat at this year’s 20th International Wushu Kung Fu Championship in Hong Kong where they bagged a staggering 14 gold medals, two silver and one bronze.

Legends of Kung Fu Champion and coach Muhammad Junaid “MJ LI” Chafeker was also awarded Outstanding Coach of The Foreign Teams and appointed International Ambassador of the Championship, while his wife and team manager Salma Natalie Doran was also awarded Best Foreign Team Manager.

MJ Li is over the moon with the results as he praised the laaities for all of their hard work.

He tells the Daily Voice: “A lot of effort, time and sacrifices have been put in by myself and the athletes to prepare for this competition.

"We are very grateful that we managed to finish in the top five amongst all the international teams despite the fact that we did not have a very big team.”

The team of seven departed Cape Town International Airport last week and formed part of 32 countries and 2500 athletes competing at this global showpiece from 28 February to 3 March.

The team clinched 17 medals in total for Group Synchronized Divisions, Dual Sparring Events, Weapons Divisions, Tai Chi, Individual Taolu Forms and San Da Chinese Kickboxing Full Contact. 

After the championship, the team headed back to Mainland China where they will be experiencing a few days of Ramadaan with Chinese Muslims before arriving back home to South Africa on 6 March.

Chafekar adds: “The competition was very tough and strenuous.

"But the team and I were also observing fast for the holy month of Ramadaan, so it was an amazing experience, and I think this achievement is an amazing showing for the country.”

“We are very satisfied that we are able to once again raise the South African flag as high as possible and get those podium finishes that we worked hard for.”

“The team and I will also be visiting a few cultural sites while in China and learn more about ancient Chinese culture.”