OLD Basing’s Sibi Kumara of Basingstoke’s SUHARI Karate School won a bronze medal at the Weston Karate Union Championships held in Weston-super-Mare.

The 11-year-old was one of the youngest in the boys 10-12 under-45kg category.

Despite this, he fought valiantly and won his first three fights with ease thanks to many scoring head kicks.

Then, in the semi-finals, he was narrowly beaten 4-3, which earned him a bronze medal.

His clubmate, nine-year-old Anthony Parmar, from Worting, also took part in the event in the under-10s category.

He won his first fight comfortably and then, in his second round fight, he faced a very strong opponent.

After losing for most of the round, Parmar scored a head kick in the last few seconds to claim a last-gasp win.

In the quarter-finals, there was almost a repeat of the situation.

Parmar performed another head kick, but this time the referees did not score it, cruelly denying him a place in the semi-finals.

Kevin McAuslan-Crine, who coaches both boys, said: “I’m over the moon. Sibi and Anthony were both unlucky not to reach the final.

“It could have gone either way. However, they are both on the right track for the Europeans in Cyprus in October.”

The SUHARI Karate School train at Basing-stoke Sports Centre on Fridays from 6.45pm to 7.45pm, and also at Tadley Swimming Pool on Wednesdays from 7pm to 8pm.

For more details, call Jon Wicks on 01252 326498 or visit su-ha-ri.co.uk.