Learners from Creston College qualify for Karate SA Championship
04 March 2026Grade 12 learner Emir Sahli and Grade 6 learner Sarah Sahli from Creston College have qualified for the upcoming Karate South Africa Championship after winning multiple medals at the KKZN Elite and Development Trials in Durban.
They competed against karateka from across KwaZulu-Natal. The siblings secured podium finishes in both kumite (sparring) and kata (form), and earned provincial selection for the national stage.
Medals across multiple divisions
Emir claimed silver in Kumite after demonstrating control and tactical execution in combat rounds.
Sarah delivered a strong all-round performance, earning:
- Gold in Unison Kata
- Bronze in Kumite
- Bronze in Individual Kata
Kumite involves point-based sparring judged on timing, technique and control. Kata focuses on pre-set sequences evaluated on precision, power and form. Medals are awarded separately in each discipline.
Provincial selection for national championship
Both learners have now qualified for the Karate South Africa (KSA) Championship, the sport’s national governing body event affiliated with the World Karate Federation.
‘We are incredibly proud to announce that both Emir and Sarah have qualified for the upcoming Karate South Africa Championship, where they will represent the province in their respective divisions,’ the school added.
The KKZN Elite and Development Trials form part of the provincial pathway under Karate KwaZulu-Natal, where athletes compete under sanctioned conditions to earn selection and ranking opportunities.
Building on previous honours
The siblings enter the championship with established competitive credentials. Previous honours include district and Karate South Africa Colours recognition, reflecting sustained performance across regional and provincial events.
Qualification for the national championship places Emir and Sarah among South Africa’s leading school-age competitors in their divisions and offers a clear progression toward elite-level competition.
With medals secured and provincial selection confirmed, the focus now shifts to preparation for the national stage.